The Veteran's claims for service connection for bilateral hearing loss, tinnitus, PTSD, and residuals of shrapnel wounds to the left arm, right shoulder, and back were denied because no new evidence was submitted that related to an unestablished fact necessary to substantiate these claims.,The Veteran's claim for service connection for posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD) was denied due to a lack of verified in-service stressor.
The deciding factor: No new and material evidence was received to show the presence of hearing loss, tinnitus, or residuals of shrapnel wounds to the left arm, right shoulder, and back that are related to service.,The Veteran's claim for PTSD was denied because no verified in-service stressor could be substantiated.
- Claimed conditions
- bilateral hearing loss, tinnitus, posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD), residuals of shrapnel wound to the left arm, residuals of shrapnel wound to the right shoulder, residuals of shrapnel wound to the back
- How they argued it
- Reopened with new and material evidence
- Exposure basis
- None
- Rating assigned
- None in this decision
- Decision date
- January 11, 2019
- Citation
- 19102939
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.
- Partly granted
The Veteran was granted a 70 percent initial disability rating for PTSD effective December 2, 2021, but the claim for an increased rating in excess of 70 percent was denied. The appeal also included claims for service connection and ratings for various conditions, some of which were granted while others were remanded.
- 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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