The veteran's PTSD, bilateral hearing loss, and hypertension were evaluated by the Board. The increased rating for PTSD was denied as his symptoms did not warrant a higher evaluation. The veteran's bilateral hearing loss was rated noncompensable due to lack of evidence from a state-licensed audiologist. His initial evaluation in excess of 10 percent for hypertension was also denied.
The deciding factor: The VA examiner found that the veteran's PTSD symptoms were productive of no more than occasional decreases in work efficiency and intermittent periods of inability to perform occupational tasks, warranting only a 30% rating under Diagnostic Code 9411. The hearing loss evaluation lacked sufficient clinical findings from a state-licensed audiologist to be considered. For hypertension, the veteran's diastolic pressure was predominantly less than 100 and controlled by medication.
- Claimed conditions
- Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD), Bilateral Hearing Loss, Hypertension
- How they argued it
- Direct service connection
- Exposure basis
- None
- Rating
- Not verified here — check the original decision
- Decision date
- May 9, 2007
- Citation
- 0713788
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. Search VA.gov for the original decision (opens in a new tab) using citation 0713788.
What this means for you
A final Board denial may be appealed to the U.S. Court of Appeals for Veterans Claims, generally within 120 days of the Board mailing date. A Supplemental Claim with new and relevant evidence is a separate option. Another Higher-Level Review of the Board decision is not available. Check your own notice: this historical decision does not set your deadline.
What you can do next
Use your own notice and decision stage. A remanded issue is not a final court-appealable denial. VA review guidance and CAVC filing instructions (U.S. federal; reviewed October 7, 2026).
Related decisions
Other Board decisions on a similar condition or argued the same way.
- Whole decision: Granted
The Veteran's bilateral hearing loss is granted as service-connected. The claims for alcohol abuse and psychiatric disorder are remanded for additional development, including a VA examination to determine the nature and etiology of these conditions.
- Whole decision: Denied
The Board denied the claim of service connection for hypertension, finding that it did not manifest during service and is not causally related to the Veteran's exposure to herbicides or service.
- Whole decision: Remanded (sent back)
The Board has decided to remand the case due to a need for a new VA examination to assess the current severity of the Veteran's bilateral hearing loss. The issue remains under direct service connection theory.
- Whole decision: Denied
The Board denied the Veteran's claim for service connection for hypertension, finding that there was no evidence of a nexus between his current condition and active duty service or herbicide exposure.
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