The Veteran's claims for increased ratings for tinnitus and hearing loss, as well as service connection for PTSD, were denied. The maximum schedular rating of 10 percent is assigned for the Veteran's tinnitus. No compensable evaluation was granted for his bilateral hearing loss disability. Service connection for PTSD could not be established based on the evidence provided.
The deciding factor: The Veteran's claims were denied as there was no legal basis to assign a higher schedular rating for tinnitus, and service connection for PTSD could not be established due to lack of clear and unmistakable evidence that his current psychiatric disorders pre-existed service or underwent permanent increase in severity during service.
- Claimed conditions
- tinnitus, bilateral hearing loss disability, anxiety disorder, depressive disorder, posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD)
- How they argued it
- Direct service connection
- Exposure basis
- None
- Rating assigned
- None in this decision
- Decision date
- April 27, 2018
- Citation
- 1825216
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 1825216.
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.
- 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.
- 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.
- Remanded (sent back)
The Veteran's claim for service connection for an acquired psychiatric disorder, including PTSD and major depressive disorder, is being remanded due to the need for additional development regarding his alleged stressors.
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