The Veteran's claims for increased ratings were denied. The Board found that the evidence did not support a rating greater than 30 percent for bilateral sensorineural hearing loss, a maximum of 10 percent for tinnitus, or any higher rating for his right ankle and right tibia/fibula disabilities.
The deciding factor: The Veteran's service-connected conditions were evaluated based on the applicable diagnostic codes and did not meet the criteria for a higher evaluation under any code. The evidence did not show an exceptional pattern of hearing loss or significant functional impairment due to tinnitus, nor did it demonstrate that his right ankle disability warranted a rating greater than 20 percent.
- Claimed conditions
- bilateral sensorineural hearing loss, tinnitus, post-operative repair of bimollealor fracture of the right ankle, post-operative changes of the right distal tibia and fibula with post-traumatic arthritis
- How they argued it
- Direct service connection
- Exposure basis
- None
- Rating assigned
- None in this decision
- Decision date
- January 16, 2013
- Citation
- 1301711
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 1301711.
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 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.
- Granted
The Veteran's tinnitus is granted as service connected. The issues of foot disability and cardiovascular disorder are remanded for additional development.
- Granted
The Board has granted service connection for tinnitus, finding that it is at least as likely as not that the Veteran experienced tinnitus during his active duty service.
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