The Board denied increased ratings for hypertension, PTSD with MDD and insomnia disorder, tinnitus, right ear hearing loss, eczematous dermatitis of the wrists and feet, and DDD, L5-S1, with retrolisthesis. TDIU was granted as of September 22, 2015.

The deciding factor: The evidence did not show diastolic pressure predominantly 110 or more or systolic pressure predominantly 200 or more for hypertension; psychiatric symptomatology resulting in occupational and social impairment with occasional decrease in work efficiency and intermittent periods of inability to perform occupational tasks, without more severe manifestations that more nearly approximate occupational and social impairment with reduced reliability and productivity, occupational and social impairment with deficiencies in most areas, or total occupational and social impairment for PTSD with MDD and insomnia disorder; a 10 percent rating was the maximum under DC 6260 for tinnitus; no worse than Level I hearing in both ears for right ear hearing loss; eczematous dermatitis of the wrists and feet did not affect at least 20 percent of the entire body or exposed areas, and did not require systemic therapy; DDD, L5-S1, with retrolisthesis did not result in ankylosis, or the functional equivalent thereof, even in contemplation of functional loss due to symptoms such as pain, fatigue, weakness, lack of endurance, or incoordination, or as a result of repetitive motion and/or flare-ups, intervertebral disc syndrome (IVDS) with incapacitating episodes, or associated objective neurological abnormalities; and the Veteran's service-connected disabilities rendered him unable to secure or follow a substantially gainful occupation consistent with his education and work history.

Claimed conditions

hypertension, posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD) with major depressive disorder (MDD) and insomnia disorder, tinnitus, right ear hearing loss, eczematous dermatitis of the wrists and feet, degenerative disc disease (DDD), L5-S1, with retrolisthesis

How they argued it

Direct service connection

Exposure basis

None

Rating assigned

None in this decision

Decision date

May 14, 2025

Citation

A25043468

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