The Veteran's claim for bilateral hearing loss was denied. The rating for forehead scar was increased to 30%. The rating for left upper extremity scars remains denied. The effective date for PTSD service connection was set at January 28, 2015.,PTSD with cannabis and alcohol use disorder received a higher initial disability rating of 70% from November 1, 2016 onwards.
The deciding factor: The Veteran does not have bilateral hearing loss for VA purposes. The forehead scar is rated at 30%, which is the maximum under Diagnostic Code 7800.,PTSD with cannabis and alcohol use disorder received a higher initial disability rating of 70% from November 1, 2016 onwards.
- Claimed conditions
- bilateral hearing loss, forehead scar, left upper extremity scars, PTSD
- How they argued it
- Not specified
- Exposure basis
- None
- Rating assigned
- 70%
- Decision date
- January 17, 2020
- Citation
- 20004401
What this means for you
A partial grant means some issues were granted while others were denied or remanded — common in multi-issue claims. Look at which issues went which way, and how each was argued.
What you can do next
Related decisions
Other Board decisions on a similar condition or argued the same way.
- Remanded (sent back)
The Board remands the claim for service connection for an acquired psychiatric disorder to ensure a proper examination and etiology opinion are provided.
- Partly granted
The Board granted service connection for PTSD, generalized anxiety disorder, and somatic symptom disorder, as well as presumptive service connection for basal cell carcinoma under the PACT Act. Service connection was denied for chronic fatigue syndrome, irritable bowel syndrome, right restless leg syndrome, left restless leg syndrome, an increased rating for psychiatric disorder, bilateral hearing loss, a left forehead surgical scar, and allergic rhinitis.
- Dismissed
The Veteran withdrew the appeals for service connection for bilateral pes planus, obstructive sleep apnea, bilateral hearing loss, tinnitus, and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD).
- Denied
The Board denied service connection for multiple conditions, including bilateral hearing loss and various musculoskeletal issues, as well as an initial rating in excess of 0 percent for rhinitis. However, the Board granted a 70 percent rating for posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD).
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