The Veteran's claims for increased ratings for bilateral hearing loss, tinnitus, and PTSD were denied. The Veteran was already receiving the maximum schedular rating for his tinnitus (10%). For his bilateral hearing loss, he did not meet the criteria for a higher rating as there is no provision for separate 10% evaluations for each ear. His PTSD claims were also denied with respect to the period prior to June 29, 2006 and after that date, due to lack of evidence showing symptoms warranting such high ratings.
The deciding factor: The Veteran's service-connected conditions did not meet the criteria for higher disability ratings under VA rating schedules. The maximum schedular rating was assigned for his tinnitus (10%), and he did not have bilateral hearing loss that warranted separate evaluations. For PTSD, the evidence did not show symptoms warranting a 70% or higher rating.
- Claimed conditions
- bilateral hearing loss, tinnitus, posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD)
- How they argued it
- Direct service connection
- Exposure basis
- None
- Rating assigned
- None in this decision
- Decision date
- September 16, 2010
- Citation
- 1034868
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. Look up the original decision on VA.gov (opens in a new tab) using citation 1034868.
What this means for you
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What you can do next
Related decisions
Other Board decisions on a similar condition or argued the same way.
- Dismissed
The Veteran's appeal for service connection of bilateral hearing loss and a ruptured right ear drum was dismissed due to the death of the Veteran.
- Denied
The Board found that the Veteran's bilateral hearing loss was noted upon entry into active duty service and did not increase in severity during service. Therefore, it denied his claim for service connection.
- Remanded (sent back)
The Board has remanded the claims for service connection for hearing loss, tinnitus, and an acquired psychiatric disorder due to incomplete medical records and need for further examination.
- Remanded (sent back)
The Board has remanded the case due to insufficient evidence regarding the Veteran's acquired psychiatric disorders, including bipolar disorder and PTSD. The Veteran will be asked to provide additional medical records and undergo a VA examination.
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