The Board granted service connection for a right ear disability manifested by aural fullness, dizziness, loss of balance, and high frequency hearing loss. The claim for service connection for a right ear disability manifested by atrophy and tympanic membrane perforation was denied.
The deciding factor: The evidence established that the Veteran's current right ear disability is etiologically related to his in-service noise exposure and acoustic trauma, including the incident where a pistol shot was fired close to his right ear during active duty training. The audiometric test results showed hearing loss within normal limits at separation from service but with an upward shift in tested thresholds while in service.
- Claimed conditions
- Right ear disability (manifested by aural fullness, dizziness, loss of balance, and high frequency hearing loss), Right ear disability (manifested by atrophy and tympanic membrane perforation)
- How they argued it
- Direct service connection
- Exposure basis
- None
- Rating assigned
- 10%
- Decision date
- December 9, 2016
- Citation
- 1646304
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 1646304.
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
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