The veteran's claims for increased ratings and service connection were denied. The hearing loss in the right ear was not shown in service or within a year thereafter, while left ear hearing loss is currently rated as non-compensable. The left knee disability does not warrant an increase beyond the current 10 percent rating.
The deciding factor: The evidence did not show that the veteran's hearing loss in either ear was incurred or aggravated by active military service and no presumption of service connection could be applied. The clinical findings for the left ear hearing loss were within normal limits, and the veteran's left knee disability does not meet the criteria for a higher rating.
- Claimed conditions
- Hearing loss of the right ear, Left ear hearing loss disability, Degenerative changes of the left knee
- How they argued it
- Direct service connection
- Exposure basis
- None
- Rating assigned
- None in this decision
- Decision date
- October 30, 2002
- Citation
- 0215275
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 0215275.
What this means for you
A denial is a starting point, not the end of the road. You can see why this claim fell short — and, if you are still inside the one-year window, the appeal lanes that may remain open to you.
What you can do next
Related decisions
Other Board decisions on a similar condition or argued the same way.
- Remanded (sent back)
The Board has found that a remand is necessary due to the Veteran's assertion of worsening hearing loss. The case will be returned for further development, including scheduling a VA examination and obtaining any outstanding medical records.
- Granted
The Board has granted service connection for a right ear hearing loss disability but denied service connection for a left ear hearing loss disability.
- Granted
The Board has granted service connection for the Veteran's left ear hearing loss disability, finding that it is due to in-service hazardous noise exposure.
- Granted
The Veteran's left ear hearing loss disability is related to hazardous noise exposure in service, while his right ear hearing loss disability was not aggravated during service.
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