The Veteran's claims for initial compensable ratings for bilateral hearing loss and increased ratings for PTSD were denied. The Veteran was found to have mild to moderately severe bilateral sensorineural hearing loss through 2000 Hz, with a current level I hearing in the right ear and level V in the left ear. For his PTSD, he had symptoms indicative of occupational and social impairment with reduced reliability and productivity due to flattened affect, depression, anxiety, and Global Assessment of Functioning score of 55.
The deciding factor: The Veteran's hearing loss did not meet the criteria for a compensable rating as it was found to be mild to moderately severe in both ears. For his PTSD, the symptoms were considered indicative of occupational and social impairment with reduced reliability and productivity but did not reach the level required for a higher rating.
- Claimed conditions
- Bilateral Hearing Loss, Posttraumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD)
- How they argued it
- Direct service connection
- Exposure basis
- None
- Rating assigned
- 0%
- Decision date
- March 27, 2014
- Citation
- 1413073
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 1413073.
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.
- Granted
The Veteran's claim for service connection for PTSD is granted as the evidence shows a current diagnosis of PTSD, an in-service stressor, and a medical link between the two.
- Denied
The Veteran's PTSD has been rated at 50% since March 23, 2004. The Board found that a higher rating is not warranted prior to February 15, 2005 due to the severity of his symptoms and their impact on his social and occupational functioning.
- Denied
The Board denied the Veteran's claims for service connection for PTSD and any acquired psychiatric disorder, finding that there was no evidence to support a link between his current mental health conditions and his military service.
- Granted
The Veteran's PTSD resulted in occupational and social impairment with reduced reliability and productivity, warranting a 70% disability rating. The Veteran also met the criteria for a TDIU due to his service-connected disabilities preventing him from securing or following a substantially gainful occupation.
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