The Board denied service connection for hearing loss, an initial rating in excess of 10 percent for PTSD, and an initial compensable rating for ulnar neuropathy of the right upper extremity. The veteran's claims were based on direct evidence rather than a presumption or secondary service connection.
The deciding factor: The VA audiological examinations did not show hearing loss that meets the criteria for disability under VA regulations. The Board found no evidence of current hearing loss and concluded that the veteran's complaints during service related to impacted earwax, which does not constitute hearing loss for VA purposes.
- Claimed conditions
- Hearing Loss, PTSD, Ulnar Neuropathy of Right Upper Extremity
- How they argued it
- Direct service connection
- Exposure basis
- None
- Rating assigned
- None in this decision
- Decision date
- November 7, 2008
- Citation
- 0838512
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 0838512.
What this means for you
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Related decisions
Other Board decisions on a similar condition or argued the same way.
- Granted
The Board of Veterans' Appeals has granted service connection for PTSD and Mood Disorders, both presumed conditions under the PACT Act.
- 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.
- Partly granted
The Board has not made a final determination on the claims of service connection for inguinal hernia, PTSD, joint pain, fibromyalgia, left knee disability, right knee disability, tinnitus, chronic fatigue syndrome, respiratory disability, sleep disorder, IBS, and headaches. The claims are remanded to obtain additional evidence and determine if these conditions are related to service.
- Granted
The Veteran's claim of service connection for PTSD was granted with an initial evaluation of 50 percent, effective September 24, 2007. The appeal regarding the heart condition and sleep disorder is denied. The Veteran's hearing loss prior to August 24, 2015, warrants a 20 percent rating.
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