The Veteran's bilateral hearing loss is service-connected and at least as likely as not related to in-service acoustic trauma. For the period prior to February 9, 2012, his right wrist disability warrants a 10% rating based on limitation of motion and arthritis. Since February 9, 2012, no higher ratings are warranted. The Veteran's right fifth finger disability also warrants a 10% rating.
The deciding factor: The March 2017 VA examiner provided the most probative opinion linking the current bilateral hearing loss to service, and the June 2010 and October 2015 VA examiners' opinions were not considered as they relied on invalid test results or failed to consider relevant evidence. The right wrist disability is rated based on limitation of motion and arthritis, with no higher ratings warranted due to lack of ankylosis or other significant functional loss.
- Claimed conditions
- bilateral hearing loss, right wrist disability, right fifth finger disability
- How they argued it
- Direct service connection
- Exposure basis
- None
- Rating assigned
- 10%
- Decision date
- May 23, 2017
- Citation
- 1717902
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 1717902.
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.
- Dismissed
The Veteran's appeal for service connection of bilateral hearing loss and a ruptured right ear drum was dismissed due to the death of the Veteran.
- Denied
The Board found that the Veteran's bilateral hearing loss was noted upon entry into active duty service and did not increase in severity during service. Therefore, it denied his claim for service connection.
- Remanded (sent back)
The Board has remanded the claims for bilateral hearing loss, migraine headaches, and PTSD due to additional development of records and examination.
- Remanded (sent back)
The Board has decided to remand the case due to insufficient evidence regarding the Veteran's bilateral hearing loss claim, specifically needing an addendum opinion from a VA examiner. The Veteran will be asked to provide any missing records and former employers' information.
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.