The Veteran's claims for increased ratings and service connection were denied. The claim for PTSD was not timely filed, resulting in the June 2014 rating decision becoming final. Tinnitus is rated at its maximum of 10 percent. Hypertension does not meet the criteria for a compensable disability rating. GERD meets the criteria for a 10 percent disability rating but no higher. The scar claim was granted based on service connection.
The deciding factor: The Veteran did not timely file a NOD with the June 2014 rating decision, making the initial PTSD rating final. Tinnitus is rated at its maximum of 10 percent under the Schedule for Rating Disabilities (Schedule). Hypertension does not meet the criteria for a compensable disability rating as there is no history of diastolic pressure predominantly 100 or more requiring continuous medication. GERD meets the criteria for a 10 percent disability rating but no higher.
- Claimed conditions
- Posttraumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD), Tinnitus, Gastroesophageal Reflux Disease (GERD), Scar of the left groin area
- How they argued it
- Direct service connection
- Exposure basis
- None
- Rating assigned
- None in this decision
- Decision date
- May 5, 2020
- Citation
- 20031620
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 20031620.
What this means for you
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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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