The Board denied the Veteran's claims for an increased rating for hearing loss of the right ear and TDIU due to service-connected disabilities. The evidence did not meet the criteria for a compensable rating for hearing loss, and there was no indication that the Veteran's service-connected conditions prevented him from obtaining or maintaining employment.
The deciding factor: The VA examinations showed varying degrees of hearing impairment in the right ear, but none met the criteria for a compensable rating. The Board found that the evidence did not support an increased disability rating for hearing loss and concluded that the Veteran's service-connected disabilities did not prevent him from obtaining or maintaining employment.
- Claimed conditions
- Hearing loss of the right ear, Chondromalacia of the right knee, Sinusitis
- How they argued it
- Direct service connection
- Exposure basis
- None
- Rating assigned
- None in this decision
- Decision date
- March 31, 2016
- Citation
- 1613217
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 1613217.
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 found that a remand is necessary due to the Veteran's assertion of worsening hearing loss. The case will be returned for further development, including scheduling a VA examination and obtaining any outstanding medical records.
- Granted
The Veteran's sinusitis is currently rated at a noncompensable evaluation. The Board has granted a 30 percent evaluation for sinusitis as of February 19, 2021, based on the number and duration of incapacitating episodes requiring antibiotic treatment.
- Dismissed
The Board dismissed the Veteran's appeals for higher disability ratings in excess of 20 percent for cervical spine and lumbar spine conditions, left knee condition, right knee condition, and sinusitis. The Veteran was granted service connection for chronic laryngeal papillomatosis.
- Dismissed
The Board dismissed the appeal because the appellant requested to withdraw their appeal.
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