Service connection for bilateral hearing loss, obstructive sleep apnea (OSA), and hypertension is denied.,PTSD increased rating claim is denied. A compensable rating for ED is also denied.,Gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) and right knee disability are not granted a higher rating than 10 percent.,Left knee disability does not meet the criteria for a higher than 10 percent rating.
The deciding factor: The evidence did not show that the Veteran had hearing loss or OSA as defined by VA regulations, and his symptoms were not severe enough to warrant a higher rating. The medical opinion concluded that these conditions are not related to service or service-connected PTSD.,The VA examiner found no causal relationship between the Veteran's hypertension and service or service-connected PTSD. The Veteran's family history of coronary artery disease (CAD) was considered, which could contribute to his hypertension.,PTSD symptoms did not meet the criteria for a 100 percent rating due to total occupational and social impairment. The VA examiner found that the Veteran had some social relationships and could function independently.
- Claimed conditions
- Bilateral Hearing Loss, Obstructive Sleep Apnea (OSA), Hypertension, Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD), Gastroesophageal Reflux Disease (GERD), Erectile Dysfunction (ED), Back Disability, Right Knee Disability, Left Knee Disability
- How they argued it
- Direct service connection
- Exposure basis
- None
- Rating assigned
- None in this decision
- Decision date
- February 4, 2026
- Citation
- A26010331
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 A26010331.
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Related decisions
Other Board decisions on a similar condition or argued the same way.
- Denied
The Veteran's service-connected knee disabilities are rated at 10% each, and the Board finds that higher ratings are not warranted based on the evidence of record.
- Denied
The Board has determined that the Veteran's bilateral knee disabilities are not related to his active service, and thus denied both claims for service connection.
- Granted
The Veteran's bilateral hearing loss is granted as service-connected. The claims for alcohol abuse and psychiatric disorder are remanded for additional development, including a VA examination to determine the nature and etiology of these conditions.
- Denied
The Board denied the Veteran's claim for service connection of a right knee disability, finding that there is no evidence to support an etiological relationship between his current condition and his military service.
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