The Veteran's claims for service connection and increased ratings were generally granted. Bilateral hearing loss, tinnitus, DJD of the lumbar spine (prior to July 14, 2016), PTSD from July 2, 2014 to April 10, 2018, chronic fatigue syndrome, obstructive sleep apnea, and individual unemployability prior to April 10, 2018 were all granted. The Veteran's DJD of the lumbar spine is rated at 20 percent since July 14, 2016.
The deciding factor: The evidence supported service connection for these conditions based on medical findings and continuity of symptoms.
- Claimed conditions
- Bilateral Hearing Loss, Tinnitus, Degenerative Changes of the Facetal Joints to the Lumbar Spine (DJD of the lumbar spine), Posttraumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD)
- How they argued it
- Direct service connection
- Exposure basis
- None
- Rating assigned
- 20%
- Decision date
- July 11, 2018
- Citation
- 18117837
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 18117837.
What this means for you
A grant means the Board agreed the veteran was entitled to the benefit. Decisions like this show the kind of evidence and arguments that tend to succeed for claims like it.
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.
- Denied
The Board denied service connection for bilateral hearing loss and tinnitus, finding that the Veteran's current conditions are not related to his military service.
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