The Veteran's appeal for higher disability evaluations was denied. His tinnitus and bilateral hearing loss were rated at the maximum allowable under VA regulations, while his acquired psychiatric disorder did not meet the criteria for a higher rating.
The deciding factor: The Veteran's tinnitus and bilateral hearing loss are currently rated at the maximum allowed by law (10% each), and his acquired psychiatric disorder does not warrant a higher evaluation based on the evidence of record.
- Claimed conditions
- tinnitus, bilateral hearing loss, acquired psychiatric disorder (depression, major depressive disorder, depressive disorder NOS, anxiety disorder NOS)
- How they argued it
- Direct service connection
- Exposure basis
- None
- Rating assigned
- 10%
- Decision date
- October 20, 2010
- Citation
- 1039233
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 1039233.
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'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.
- Denied
The Board denied the Veteran's claims for service connection for tinnitus, arthritis, and memory loss. The decision found no evidence linking these conditions to his military service.
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