The Board denied service connection for anxiety and depression, as well as increased ratings for bilateral hearing loss, plantar fasciitis, and pseudofolliculitis barbae.
The deciding factor: The evidence did not support a current diagnosis of anxiety or depression distinct from the Veteran's service-connected PTSD. The Veteran's hearing loss was rated based on audiometric testing results, which did not meet criteria for a compensable rating. Plantar fasciitis did not show relief from both surgical and non-surgical treatment.
- Claimed conditions
- anxiety, depression, bilateral hearing loss, plantar fasciitis, pseudofolliculitis barbae
- How they argued it
- Direct service connection
- Exposure basis
- None
- Rating assigned
- None in this decision
- Decision date
- November 4, 2024
- Citation
- A24071310
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 a medical opinion on whether plantar fasciitis was aggravated by active duty training.
- Remanded (sent back)
The Board remands the claim for service connection for an acquired psychiatric disorder to ensure a proper examination and etiology opinion are provided.
- 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 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).
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