The Veteran's claims for increased ratings were denied. The Board found that the Veteran did not meet the criteria for a compensable rating for bilateral hearing loss, and did not meet the criteria for an increased rating of 70 percent for PTSD from June 24, 2013. For the other conditions, the Board found that they did not meet the criteria for increased ratings in excess of the current assigned ratings.
The deciding factor: The Veteran's symptoms were evaluated against the Diagnostic Codes and General Rating Formula for Mental Disorders provided by VA, with the conclusion being that his service-connected conditions did not warrant a higher rating based on their severity or impact on daily life.
- Claimed conditions
- bilateral hearing loss, posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD), residuals shell fragment wound, right thigh and buttock, residuals shell fragment wound, left thigh and buttock, residuals shell fragment wound, left upper arm, residuals shell fragment wound, left forearm, residuals shell fragment wound, left lower leg
- How they argued it
- Direct service connection
- Exposure basis
- None
- Rating assigned
- None in this decision
- Decision date
- October 5, 2022
- Citation
- 22056505
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 22056505.
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.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
Free starter guide for your own claim
Reading this because you were denied or under-rated? Get the plain-English next steps — your appeal options, the deadline that protects you, and how appeals like yours turn out. One email, no spam.
We will only use this to send the guide. No spam, unsubscribe any time. We never sell your information.
We are not the VA. Veterans’ Rights is an independent resource built for veterans. We are not the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs, not part of the government, and not endorsed by any government agency.
This is general information, not legal advice. For advice about your own situation, talk to a VA-accredited representative — many help for free.