The Veteran's claim for service connection for bilateral hearing loss was denied. For PTSD, the initial rating in excess of 30 percent prior to March 7, 2017, and an initial 50 percent rating from March 7, 2017 to June 24, 2018 were granted; however, a higher initial 70 percent rating was granted starting July 24, 2018.
The deciding factor: The Veteran's hearing loss did not meet the criteria for a disability under VA regulations. For PTSD, the evidence showed occupational and social impairment with reduced reliability and productivity but no deficiencies in most areas as required for higher ratings.
- Claimed conditions
- bilateral hearing loss, posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD)
- How they argued it
- Direct service connection
- Exposure basis
- None
- Rating assigned
- None in this decision
- Decision date
- March 13, 2023
- Citation
- 23015054
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 23015054.
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.
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