The VA denied the veteran's claim for compensation under 38 U.S.C. § 1151 for right ear hearing loss, which he claimed was caused by a failure to diagnose meningitis at a VA outpatient clinic. The VA concluded that the hearing loss was not due to negligence or an unforeseen event and was likely the natural progression of his meningitis.
The deciding factor: The VA determined that the veteran's right ear hearing loss was most probably the natural course of his meningitis, which occurred after he sought treatment for a suspected ear infection at a VA clinic. The delay in diagnosis did not result in any negligence or unforeseen event on the part of VA.
- Claimed conditions
- Right ear hearing loss
- How they argued it
- Direct service connection
- Exposure basis
- None
- Rating assigned
- None in this decision
- Decision date
- December 6, 2002
- Citation
- 0217673
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 0217673.
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.
- Partly granted
The Board granted a 20 percent rating for the Veteran's left knee strain, service connection for right ear hearing loss, and service connection for a right ankle disorder. Other claims were denied or remanded.
- Denied
The appeal for higher ratings and effective dates for various conditions was denied, with the exception of left and right lower extremity radiculopathy which were granted an earlier effective date.
- Partly granted
The Board denied a compensable rating for the veteran's right ear hearing loss and an increased rating for his anxiety disorder, but granted a total disability rating based on individual unemployability (TDIU) and special monthly compensation effective May 13, 2023.
- Partly granted
The Board granted an effective date of April 5, 2018, for the award of service connection for PTSD and denied earlier effective dates for erectile dysfunction, left ear hearing loss, migraines, and other conditions.
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