The Veteran's claims for service connection for epithelial exfoliation and trigeminal neuralgia were denied as there was no evidence of a current disability or in-service incurrence. The claim for PTSD was reopened due to new evidence showing the Veteran witnessed events in Vietnam, which is considered an in-service stressor.,The Veteran's claims for service connection for bipolar disorder and hearing loss were not reopened as the submitted evidence did not relate to an unestablished fact necessary to substantiate these claims.
The deciding factor: New evidence showed that the Veteran witnessed events in Vietnam, which is considered an in-service stressor. This established a link between PTSD and service.
- Claimed conditions
- epithelial exfoliation, trigeminal neuralgia, PTSD, bipolar disorder
- How they argued it
- Direct service connection
- Exposure basis
- None
- Rating assigned
- None in this decision
- Decision date
- August 13, 2015
- Citation
- 1534590
This is a plain-language summary generated by AI from a public Board of Veterans’ Appeals decision. It can contain errors — always verify against the original. Look up the original decision on VA.gov (opens in a new tab) using citation 1534590.
What this means for you
A partial grant means some issues were granted while others were denied or remanded — common in multi-issue claims. Look at which issues went which way, and how each was argued.
What you can do next
Related decisions
Other Board decisions on a similar condition or argued the same way.
- Granted
The Board of Veterans' Appeals has granted service connection for PTSD and Mood Disorders, both presumed conditions under the PACT Act.
- Remanded (sent back)
The Board has remanded the case due to insufficient evidence regarding the Veteran's acquired psychiatric disorders, including bipolar disorder and PTSD. The Veteran will be asked to provide additional medical records and undergo a VA examination.
- Partly granted
The Board has not made a final determination on the claims of service connection for inguinal hernia, PTSD, joint pain, fibromyalgia, left knee disability, right knee disability, tinnitus, chronic fatigue syndrome, respiratory disability, sleep disorder, IBS, and headaches. The claims are remanded to obtain additional evidence and determine if these conditions are related to service.
- Granted
The Veteran's claim of service connection for PTSD was granted with an initial evaluation of 50 percent, effective September 24, 2007. The appeal regarding the heart condition and sleep disorder is denied. The Veteran's hearing loss prior to August 24, 2015, warrants a 20 percent rating.
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