The veteran's claims for increased evaluations for left ear hearing loss and degenerative joint disease, carpometacarpal joint, right thumb were denied as there is no evidence of a compensable rating or an evaluation in excess of 10 percent disabling.
The deciding factor: The VA examinations did not show any limitation of motion that would warrant a higher evaluation under the applicable diagnostic codes for hearing loss and degenerative arthritis. The veteran's symptoms, while painful, did not meet the criteria for even a compensable rating under Diagnostic Code 5228 for right thumb disability.
- Claimed conditions
- Left ear hearing loss, Right ear hearing loss, Degenerative joint disease, carpometacarpal joint, right thumb
- How they argued it
- Direct service connection
- Exposure basis
- None
- Rating assigned
- None in this decision
- Decision date
- December 16, 2008
- Citation
- 0843216
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 0843216.
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 remanded the claims for further development due to insufficient evidence and need for additional examinations.
- Dismissed
The appeal for service connection for a right ear hearing loss disability is dismissed. The appeal for service connection for bilateral knee disabilities is denied.
- Denied
The Board has determined that the Veteran's left ear hearing loss disability does not meet or approximate criteria for a compensable (10%) disability rating at any point during the appeal period.
- Remanded (sent back)
The Board has remanded the Veteran's claims for a compensable rating for right ear hearing loss and service connection for left ear hearing loss due to inadequate audiometric examinations. The Veteran will be scheduled for new VA examinations to determine the nature and etiology of his left ear hearing loss and the severity of his hearing loss.
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