The Veteran's claims for service connection for bipolar disorder, PTSD, and the reopening of claims for a skin condition, calluses on the feet, and a left knee disorder were denied. The evidence submitted was not sufficient to establish a link between these conditions and his military service.
The deciding factor: The evidence did not support an etiological link between the Veteran's claimed conditions and his military service, particularly as there was no verification of any alleged stressors for PTSD or relevant complaints during service for bipolar disorder. The left knee claim was reopened based on new evidence but ultimately denied due to a lack of a nexus to service.
- Claimed conditions
- bipolar disorder, post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), skin condition, calluses on the feet, left knee disorder
- How they argued it
- Direct service connection
- Exposure basis
- None
- Rating assigned
- None in this decision
- Decision date
- March 13, 2009
- Citation
- 0909393
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.
- Dismissed
The appeal was dismissed due to the Veteran's death while it was pending.
- Partly granted
The Board granted an effective date of December 12, 2023, for a 50 percent evaluation of bipolar disorder and remanded the other issues for further development.
- Remanded (sent back)
The Board remands the claims for service connection for PTSD, diabetes mellitus, type II, migraines, left and right knee disorders, and obstructive sleep apnea due to missing military records and inadequate examinations.
- Remanded (sent back)
The Board remands the claim for service connection for PTSD to be readjudicated on the merits due to new and relevant evidence.
We are not the VA. Veterans’ Rights is an independent resource built for veterans. We are not the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs, not part of the government, and not endorsed by any government agency.
This is general information, not legal advice. For advice about your own situation, talk to a VA-accredited representative — many help for free.