The Veteran's bilateral hearing loss is rated at the lowest possible non-compensable level.,Tinnitus has been assigned a maximum schedular rating of 10 percent, which cannot be increased further under current criteria.,Sleep apnea is currently rated at the highest available schedular rating (50%), and no higher rating is warranted based on the evidence provided.,The Veteran's heart disorder is currently rated at 30%, with no higher rating being granted due to lack of specific findings supporting a higher level of disability.,PTSD has been rated as 30% prior to October 31, 2013, and 50% thereafter. No higher ratings are warranted based on the evidence provided.
The deciding factor: The Veteran's hearing loss does not meet the criteria for a compensable rating under VA regulations.,Tinnitus is rated at its maximum schedular level of 10 percent, as there is no legal basis to assign a higher rating.,Sleep apnea requires use of a CPAP machine and currently meets the criteria for a 50% rating. No evidence shows chronic respiratory failure or cor pulmonale requiring a 100% rating.,The Veteran's heart disorder does not meet the criteria for a higher than 30% rating based on his current symptoms and test results, as he has not demonstrated more severe disability such as congestive heart failure or left ventricular dysfunction with an ejection fraction of less than 30 percent.,PTSD is rated at 30% prior to October 31, 2013, and 50% thereafter. The evidence does not support a higher rating due to the Veteran's current symptoms and functional capacity.
- Claimed conditions
- bilateral hearing loss, tinnitus, sleep apnea, heart disorder, posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD)
- How they argued it
- Direct service connection
- Exposure basis
- None
- Rating assigned
- None in this decision
- Decision date
- June 22, 2018
- Citation
- 18113664
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 18113664.
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.
- 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.
Free starter guide for your own claim
Reading this because you were denied or under-rated? Get the plain-English next steps — your appeal options, the deadline that protects you, and how appeals like yours turn out. One email, no spam.
We will only use this to send the guide. No spam, unsubscribe any time. We never sell your information.
We are not the VA. Veterans’ Rights is an independent resource built for veterans. We are not the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs, not part of the government, and not endorsed by any government agency.
This is general information, not legal advice. For advice about your own situation, talk to a VA-accredited representative — many help for free.