The Board denied service connection for right and left ankle disabilities, a separate compensable rating for the submental scar, and service connection for gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD), bilateral plantar fasciitis, and an acquired psychiatric disability. The claims for a compensable rating for excessive salivation were also denied.
The deciding factor: The evidence did not persuasively support that the Veteran's current ankle disabilities began during active service or are otherwise related to an in-service injury or disease.
- Claimed conditions
- right ankle disability, left ankle disability, incisional scar, submental area status-post excision of submandibular mass, gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD), bilateral plantar fasciitis, acquired psychiatric disability, to include posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD) and major depressive disorder
- How they argued it
- Direct service connection
- Exposure basis
- None
- Rating assigned
- None in this decision
- Decision date
- October 10, 2024
- Citation
- A24065201
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 Veteran withdrew his appeals for service connection for gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) and pernicious anemia, and the Board dismissed both appeals.
- Denied
The Board denied service connection for multiple conditions, including bilateral hearing loss and various musculoskeletal issues, as well as an initial rating in excess of 0 percent for rhinitis. However, the Board granted a 70 percent rating for posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD).
- Denied
The Board denied a rating in excess of 10 percent for gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) as the appellant does not have a documented history of recurrent or refractory esophageal stricture(s).
- Remanded (sent back)
The Board remands the claims for service connection for various disabilities to the AOJ for further development and consideration of evidence not previously considered.
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