The Veteran's claim for service connection for bilateral hearing loss was denied as there is no current disability.,PTSD was granted an initial rating of 70 percent, but not more than that. The Veteran did not meet the criteria for a higher rating.
The deciding factor: The evidence did not show current hearing loss or PTSD symptoms meeting the required severity levels for a higher rating under VA regulations.
- Claimed conditions
- bilateral hearing loss, posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD), gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD), chronic fatigue syndrome (CFS), left hand scar, eye condition (to include cataracts), obstructive sleep apnea (OSA), excessive sweating due to heat exhaustion, recurrent lightheadedness due to heat exhaustion
- How they argued it
- Not specified
- Exposure basis
- None
- Rating
- Not verified here — check the original decision
- Decision date
- January 16, 2026
- Citation
- A26004418
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. Read the original VA decision (opens in a new tab) using citation A26004418.
What this means for you
A final Board denial may be appealed to the U.S. Court of Appeals for Veterans Claims, generally within 120 days of the Board mailing date. A Supplemental Claim with new and relevant evidence is a separate option. Another Higher-Level Review of the Board decision is not available. Check your own notice: this historical decision does not set your deadline.
What you can do next
Use your own notice and decision stage. A remanded issue is not a final court-appealable denial. VA review guidance and CAVC filing instructions (U.S. federal; reviewed October 7, 2026).
Related decisions
Other Board decisions on a similar condition or argued the same way.
- Whole decision: 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.
- Whole decision: 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.
- Whole decision: 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.
- Whole decision: 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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