The Veteran's service connection claims for diabetic retinopathy, tinnitus, ischemic heart disease, and an acquired psychiatric disorder (including PTSD) have been denied due to lack of current evidence supporting these conditions.,Service connection has also been denied for peripheral neuropathy of the right upper extremity as there is no current diagnosis. The Veteran's claim for a higher initial disability rating for peripheral neuropathy of the left upper extremity remains pending.
The deciding factor: The preponderance of evidence does not support current diagnoses of diabetic retinopathy, tinnitus, ischemic heart disease, or an acquired psychiatric disorder (including PTSD). The Veteran's service treatment records and post-service medical records do not indicate the presence of these conditions during the period on appeal.,Peripheral neuropathy of the right upper extremity is currently rated at 30 percent. Service connection for peripheral neuropathy of the left upper extremity remains pending.
- Claimed conditions
- diabetic retinopathy, tinnitus, ischemic heart disease, acquired psychiatric disorder (including PTSD), peripheral neuropathy of the right upper extremity, peripheral neuropathy of the left upper extremity
- How they argued it
- Direct service connection
- Exposure basis
- None
- Rating assigned
- 30%
- Decision date
- November 5, 2019
- Citation
- 19183725
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 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.
- Granted
The Board granted an effective date of April 25, 2022, for the award of service connection for tinnitus and a 100 percent initial rating for PTSD with alcohol use disorder.
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.