The Board found that the veteran's hearing loss and back disorder did not warrant increased evaluations, as his current audiometric findings translated to a 10% rating for bilateral defective hearing and an evaluation of 10% for degenerative disc disease of the lumbar spine. The case was remanded due to procedural issues.
The deciding factor: The veteran's hearing loss and back disorder did not meet the criteria for higher evaluations based on current medical evidence.
- Claimed conditions
- bilateral defective hearing, degenerative disc disease of the lumbar spine L-5/S-1
- How they argued it
- Direct service connection
- Exposure basis
- None
- Rating assigned
- None in this decision
- Decision date
- December 12, 2005
- Citation
- 0533427
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 0533427.
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.
- Granted
The Board has granted the readjudication of the claims for service connection for bilateral defective hearing and tinnitus, as new and relevant evidence was received.
- Granted
The Veteran's service-connected disabilities rendered him so helpless as to be in need of regular aid and attendance of another person throughout the period on appeal, warranting SMC based on the need for aid and attendance.
- Denied
The Veteran's claim for an increased rating for his service-connected bilateral defective hearing was denied as he failed to report for scheduled VA examinations without providing good cause.
- Dismissed
The Veteran's appeals for higher ratings on bilateral defective hearing and left ankle injury residuals, as well as his claims for special monthly compensation based on a need for aid and attendance or due to being housebound, and eligibility for a grant for specially adapted housing or special home adaptation have been dismissed due to the death of the appellant.
Free starter guide for your own claim
Reading this because you were denied or under-rated? Get the plain-English next steps — your appeal options, the deadline that protects you, and how appeals like yours turn out. One email, no spam.
We will only use this to send the guide. No spam, unsubscribe any time. We never sell your information.
We are not the VA. Veterans’ Rights is an independent resource built for veterans. We are not the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs, not part of the government, and not endorsed by any government agency.
This is general information, not legal advice. For advice about your own situation, talk to a VA-accredited representative — many help for free.