The Veteran's claims for increased ratings were denied. The Board found that the evidence did not support a higher rating for any of his conditions, including bilateral hearing loss, tinnitus, left knee condition, right knee condition, and left shoulder condition. His PTSD claim was also denied as it did not meet the criteria for a 70% or higher rating.
The deciding factor: The Veteran's claims were based on the application of the VA Schedule for Rating Disabilities (Rating Schedule), which requires that disability ratings be determined by applying the criteria set forth in the Rating Schedule to the numeric designations assigned after audiometry evaluations and other examinations. The Board found that the evidence did not support a higher rating for any of his conditions, including bilateral hearing loss, tinnitus, left knee condition, right knee condition, and left shoulder condition.
- Claimed conditions
- Bilateral Hearing Loss, Tinnitus, Left Knee Condition, Right Knee Condition, Left Shoulder Condition, Posttraumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD)
- How they argued it
- Direct service connection
- Exposure basis
- None
- Rating
- Not verified here — check the original decision
- Decision date
- March 3, 2026
- Citation
- A26019006
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 A26019006.
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: 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.
- Whole decision: 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.
- Whole decision: 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.
- Whole decision: Denied
The Board denied service connection for bilateral hearing loss and tinnitus, finding that the Veteran's current conditions are not related to his military service.
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