The Veteran's PTSD was granted an increased rating of 70 percent effective March 2, 2016. A higher rating is denied.,An earlier effective date of March 2, 2016 for a TDIU is granted due to the increase in PTSD symptoms beginning that month.,The Veteran's bilateral hearing loss is rated at 70 percent effective March 2, 2016. A higher rating is denied.,Service connection for tinnitus is granted.,An initial compensable rating of 0% and a rating in excess of 10% beginning April 25, 2017 are denied.
The deciding factor: The Veteran's PTSD symptoms increased significantly after March 2, 2016, warranting an increase to 70 percent effective that date.,PTSD symptoms were severe enough to meet the criteria for a TDIU beginning March 2, 2016.,Bilateral hearing loss was rated at 70% effective March 2, 2016 due to increased severity of symptoms.,Tinnitus is service-connected as it is related to active service.,The Veteran's bilateral hearing loss did not meet the criteria for a higher rating.
- Claimed conditions
- Posttraumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD), Bilateral Hearing Loss, Tinnitus
- How they argued it
- Direct service connection
- Exposure basis
- None
- Rating assigned
- 70%
- Decision date
- March 3, 2021
- Citation
- 21012017
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 21012017.
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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