The VA denied the veteran's claims for initial compensable evaluations for hearing loss, otitis media, and tympanic membrane perforation of the right ear. The RO found that the veteran did not meet the criteria for a higher rating under the applicable disability evaluation criteria.
The deciding factor: The audiometric test results showed normal or mild hearing acuity in the non-service-connected left ear, which was considered when determining the appropriate numeric designation for the service-connected right ear hearing loss. The veteran's claims were denied as his conditions did not meet the criteria for a higher rating under the applicable disability evaluation criteria.
- Claimed conditions
- hearing loss of the right ear, otitis media of the right ear, tympanic membrane perforation of the right ear
- How they argued it
- Direct service connection
- Exposure basis
- None
- Rating assigned
- None in this decision
- Decision date
- September 12, 2007
- Citation
- 0728522
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 0728522.
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.
- Dismissed
The Veteran's claim for a disability rating in excess of 10 percent for a scar, residual of a cyst removed from the groin area is dismissed.,The Veteran's claim for an increased disability rating in excess of 20 percent for lumbar spine disability is denied. A 20 percent disability rating, but no higher, is granted.,The Veteran's claim for an increased disability rating in excess of 30 percent for PTSD is denied. A 10 percent disability rating, but no higher, is granted.,The Veteran's claim for a compensable disability rating for otitis media of the right ear is denied.,The Veteran's claim for a disability rating for chest wall muscle spasm, claimed as costochondritis, is granted with a 10 percent rating.,The Veteran's claim for an increased disability rating in excess of 20 percent for right ankle disability remains pending.
- Dismissed
The Board has dismissed all claims as the Veteran died during the appeal process.
- Granted
The Board granted service connection for hearing loss of the right ear, resolving reasonable doubt in favor of the Veteran.
- Partly granted
The Board granted service connection for sleep impairment and hearing loss of the right ear, and a 30 percent rating for residuals of a left eye injury from April 27, 1998. The claim for a higher rating was denied.
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