The Board has granted service connection for a left ear hearing loss disability and left ear tinnitus, finding in favor of the Veteran's claims due to conflicting evidence regarding the etiology of his disabilities.,For the issue of an initial rating higher than 30 percent for posttraumatic headaches, the Board found that the criteria were not met as there was no showing of very frequent completely prostrating and prolonged attacks productive of severe economic inadaptability.
The deciding factor: The Veteran's service treatment records showed hearing within normal limits bilaterally on his enlistment audio examination in 1966 and at separation in 1973. However, the Veteran presented credible testimony that his problems manifested in service and have continued since then.
- Claimed conditions
- Left Ear Hearing Loss Disability, Left Ear Tinnitus
- How they argued it
- Direct service connection
- Exposure basis
- None
- Rating assigned
- 10%
- Decision date
- August 22, 2016
- Citation
- 1633127
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 1633127.
What this means for you
A grant means the Board agreed the veteran was entitled to the benefit. Decisions like this show the kind of evidence and arguments that tend to succeed for claims like it.
What you can do next
Related decisions
Other Board decisions on a similar condition or argued the same way.
- Partly granted
The Board granted service connection for tinnitus and left ear hearing loss disability, but remanded the issue of a compensable rating for right ear hearing loss. The increased rating claim for IVDS was withdrawn by the Veteran.
- Remanded (sent back)
The Board remands the claims for a right ear hearing loss disability and a left ear hearing loss disability for further development, including obtaining additional VA examination opinions.
- Partly granted
The Veteran's appeal for service connection for obstructive sleep apnea has been dismissed.,Service connection for left ear hearing loss is denied. The Board finds that the evidence does not support a current diagnosis of left ear hearing loss disability.
- Remanded (sent back)
The Veteran's appeal is remanded due to errors in the rating and service connection determinations for his hearing loss disabilities, shoulder pain, and arthritis. The issues of right ear hearing loss disability, bilateral shoulder pain (right), and residual of pain status-post right rotator cuff tear repair are being addressed.
Free starter guide for your own claim
Reading this because you were denied or under-rated? Get the plain-English next steps — your appeal options, the deadline that protects you, and how appeals like yours turn out. One email, no spam.
We will only use this to send the guide. No spam, unsubscribe any time. We never sell your information.
We are not the VA. Veterans’ Rights is an independent resource built for veterans. We are not the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs, not part of the government, and not endorsed by any government agency.
This is general information, not legal advice. For advice about your own situation, talk to a VA-accredited representative — many help for free.