The Veteran's service-connected bilateral hearing loss and tinnitus are rated at 70 percent combined, meeting the schedular requirements for a TDIU rating. However, due to other non-service connected disabilities, the Board finds that he is not unemployable solely based on his service-connected conditions.
The deciding factor: The Veteran's unemployability is attributed to various nonservice-connected disabilities (hypertension, dementia, seizure disorder, and TIAs), which are considered in determining his entitlement to a TDIU rating. The January 2012 VA audiologist opined that the Veteran's hearing loss alone should not significantly affect his employability.
- Claimed conditions
- bilateral hearing loss, tinnitus
- How they argued it
- Direct service connection
- Exposure basis
- None
- Rating assigned
- 70%
- Decision date
- October 3, 2012
- Citation
- 1234462
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 1234462.
What this means for you
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What you can do next
Related decisions
Other Board decisions on a similar condition or argued the same way.
- Dismissed
The Veteran's appeal for service connection of bilateral hearing loss and a ruptured right ear drum was dismissed due to the death of the Veteran.
- Denied
The Board found that the Veteran's bilateral hearing loss was noted upon entry into active duty service and did not increase in severity during service. Therefore, it denied his claim for service connection.
- Remanded (sent back)
The Board has remanded the claims for service connection for hearing loss, tinnitus, and an acquired psychiatric disorder due to incomplete medical records and need for further examination.
- Denied
The Board denied the Veteran's claims for service connection for tinnitus, arthritis, and memory loss. The decision found no evidence linking these conditions to his military service.
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