The Veteran's service-connected bilateral hearing loss is currently rated as noncompensable, and the Board finds no basis to grant a higher evaluation.,PTSD has been assigned an initial evaluation of 70 percent, which is not in excess of what is warranted. The Veteran's PTSD symptoms do not meet or approximate the criteria for a higher evaluation.
The deciding factor: The July 2019 VA audiological examination results show hearing acuity levels that correspond to level II in the right ear and level III in the left ear, which is rated as noncompensable under the rating schedule. The Veteran's lay statements regarding his daily life have been considered, but they do not support a higher evaluation.,The Veteran's PTSD symptoms are currently evaluated at 70 percent, which is the maximum schedular rating available for this condition. The examination reports do not show an exceptional pattern of hearing impairment.
- Claimed conditions
- Bilateral Hearing Loss, Posttraumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD), Right Shoulder Strain with Rotator Cuff Tendonitis, Status Post Left-Hand Ring Finger Fracture, Status Post Left-Hand Small Finger Fracture, Right Knee Injury with History of Tibial/Patella Chondroplasty, Patellofemoral Syndrome, Lateral Meniscectomy, and Anterior Cruciate Ligament Repair (Knee Disability), Left Achilles Tendon Status Post Rupture with Surgical Repair, Bilateral Plantar Fasciitis, Painful Scar, Right Knee Patella, Scar, Right Knee Patella, Painful Scar, Left Ankle, Left Ankle Scar
- How they argued it
- Direct service connection
- Exposure basis
- None
- Rating assigned
- None in this decision
- Decision date
- November 20, 2023
- Citation
- A23032898
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 A23032898.
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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.
- Granted
The Veteran's PTSD resulted in occupational and social impairment with reduced reliability and productivity, warranting a 70% disability rating. The Veteran also met the criteria for a TDIU due to his service-connected disabilities preventing him from securing or following a substantially gainful occupation.
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