The Veteran's claims for service connection for depression, irritable bowel syndrome, bilateral hearing loss, and tinnitus were denied as new and material evidence was not submitted. The claim for PTSD was reopened but ultimately denied due to the lack of a valid diagnosis.
The deciding factor: The decision was based on the lack of a valid diagnosis of PTSD and the failure to submit new and material evidence supporting the other claims.
- Claimed conditions
- depression, irritable bowel syndrome, bilateral hearing loss, tinnitus, post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), diabetes mellitus II, neuropathy with hypertension, left hand status post carpal tunnel syndrome release, right hand status post carpal tunnel syndrome release, erectile dysfunction
- How they argued it
- Reopened with new and material evidence
- Exposure basis
- None
- Rating assigned
- None in this decision
- Decision date
- March 9, 2009
- Citation
- 0908615
What this means for you
A denial is a starting point, not the end of the road. You can see why this claim fell short — and, if you are still inside the one-year window, the appeal lanes that may remain open to you.
What you can do next
Related decisions
Other Board decisions on a similar condition or argued the same way.
- Remanded (sent back)
The Board remands the claim for service connection for an acquired psychiatric disorder to ensure a proper examination and etiology opinion are provided.
- Remanded (sent back)
The Board remands the claim for service connection for tinnitus to correct a duty to assist error, as the Veteran's lay statements regarding onset and continuity of symptoms were not adequately considered in the previous decision.
- Dismissed
The Veteran withdrew the appeals for service connection for bilateral pes planus, obstructive sleep apnea, bilateral hearing loss, tinnitus, and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD).
- Denied
The Board denied service connection for tinnitus, cubital tunnel syndrome, right plantar fasciitis, and a right knee disability due to the lack of evidence supporting a nexus between these conditions and the Veteran's military service.
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