The Board has determined that the Veteran's hearing loss, lumbar spine disability (claimed as scoliosis), atrial fibrillation, AV node ablation, pacemaker/defibrillator dependence, heart murmur, and degeneration of the cervical spine do not meet or approximate the criteria for a higher rating under any applicable diagnostic code. The Board also found that there is no evidence to support service connection for these conditions.
The deciding factor: The Veteran's hearing loss was rated based on its severity as determined by VA audiometric testing, and it did not exceed the threshold for a compensable evaluation. For his lumbar spine disability (claimed as scoliosis), atrial fibrillation, AV node ablation, pacemaker/defibrillator dependence, heart murmur, and degeneration of the cervical spine, there is no evidence to support service connection due to lack of in-service incurrence or aggravation and no nexus between these conditions and his military service.
- Claimed conditions
- Bilateral Sensorineural Hearing Loss, Lumbar Spine Disability (claimed as Scoliosis), Atrial Fibrillation, AV Node Ablation, Pacemaker/Defibrillator Dependence, Heart Murmur, Degeneration of the Cervical Spine
- How they argued it
- Direct service connection
- Exposure basis
- None
- Rating assigned
- None in this decision
- Decision date
- January 15, 2016
- Citation
- 1601836
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 1601836.
What this means for you
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Related decisions
Other Board decisions on a similar condition or argued the same way.
- Granted
Service connection for OSA is granted, and the Veteran's initial ratings for atrial fibrillation, right upper extremity peripheral neuropathy, left upper extremity peripheral neuropathy, right lower extremity peripheral neuropathy, left lower extremity peripheral neuropathy, right upper extremity neuralgia, and left upper extremity neuralgia are all granted at 10 percent.
- Denied
The Board denied the Veteran's claims for service connection for Congestive Heart Failure with Atrial Fibrillation with AICD and Hypertension (High Blood Pressure), finding that there was no evidence of direct service connection, and that the conditions were not caused or aggravated by service-connected OSA.
- Denied
The Board denied the Veteran's claim for SMC in excess of SMC(n) based on his service-connected conditions and additional disabilities, as well as his need for aid and attendance. The appeal was dismissed.
- Granted
The Veteran's service-connected conditions, including persistent depressive disorder, migraines, tinnitus, and bilateral sensorineural hearing loss, prevent him from obtaining or maintaining substantially gainful employment consistent with his education and occupational history.
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