The Veteran's claims for service connection for impetigo and folliculitis, PTSD, tinnitus, bilateral hearing loss, and allergic rhinitis were denied. The appeals for higher initial ratings for PTSD prior to March 16, 2016; an initial compensable rating for tinnitus; and initial compensable ratings for bilateral hearing loss and allergic rhinitis are also denied.
The deciding factor: The Veteran's claims were based on the absence of a current disability diagnosis related to impetigo and folliculitis. The VA examinations did not find any evidence of these conditions, and the Veteran was not competent to diagnose them. For PTSD, the criteria for a higher initial rating prior to March 16, 2016, were not met as he had occupational and social impairment with reduced reliability and productivity but no deficiencies in most areas. The Veteran's hearing loss did not meet the criteria for a compensable rating under the applicable diagnostic code. For allergic rhinitis, there was no evidence of greater than 50 percent obstruction on both sides or complete obstruction on one side as required for a 10 percent rating.
- Claimed conditions
- impetigo, folliculitis, tinnitus, bilateral hearing loss, allergic rhinitis
- How they argued it
- Direct service connection
- Exposure basis
- None
- Rating
- Not verified here — check the original decision
- Decision date
- October 16, 2018
- Citation
- 18142601
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. Read the original VA decision (opens in a new tab) using citation 18142601.
What this means for you
A final Board denial may be appealed to the U.S. Court of Appeals for Veterans Claims, generally within 120 days of the Board mailing date. A Supplemental Claim with new and relevant evidence is a separate option. Another Higher-Level Review of the Board decision is not available. Check your own notice: this historical decision does not set your deadline.
What you can do next
Use your own notice and decision stage. A remanded issue is not a final court-appealable denial. VA review guidance and CAVC filing instructions (U.S. federal; reviewed October 7, 2026).
Related decisions
Other Board decisions on a similar condition or argued the same way.
- Whole decision: 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.
- Whole decision: 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.
- Whole decision: 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.
- Whole decision: 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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