The Veteran's claims for service connection for bilateral hearing loss and tinnitus were denied as there is no evidence of a chronic disease during service or within one year after discharge. The claim for an initial rating in excess of 10 percent for PTSD prior to July 19, 2016 was also denied due to lack of continuity of symptomatology. For the period beginning July 19, 2016 and thereafter, a higher rating for PTSD is not granted as there is no evidence that the disability has worsened beyond what is contemplated by the current 30 percent rating.
The deciding factor: The Veteran's hearing loss was normal during service and did not manifest within one year after discharge. There is no evidence of continuity of symptomatology, and thus service connection cannot be established on a presumptive basis or through direct service connection.
- Claimed conditions
- bilateral hearing loss, tinnitus
- How they argued it
- Direct service connection
- Exposure basis
- None
- Rating assigned
- None in this decision
- Decision date
- July 27, 2017
- Citation
- 1729623
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 1729623.
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.
- 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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