The Veteran's service-connected intervertebral disc syndrome of the lumbar spine is not manifested by any limitation of motion, muscle spasm, ankylosis or incapacitating episodes requiring bed rest prescribed by a physician. The Veteran does not have bilateral hearing loss disability that was incurred in service.,There is no evidence showing that the current bilateral sensorineural hearing loss disability is related to the Veteran's active military service or had its onset in the first post-service year.,The probative evidence of record shows that the Veteran's current tinnitus is not related to his active military service and is more likely due to his nonservice-connected hearing loss.,The probative evidence does not show a relationship between the Veteran's nummular dermatitis and service. The condition was present prior to service and no increase in severity during service has been shown.,The pre-existing nasal obstruction did not increase in severity during service, and the surgery conducted during service helped to correct and ameliorate the pre-existing nasal obstruction resulting in improved breathing; no resulting disability is shown.
The deciding factor: The Veteran's intervertebral disc syndrome of the lumbar spine does not meet the criteria for a compensable rating under any applicable diagnostic code.,There is insufficient evidence to establish service connection for bilateral hearing loss as it did not manifest within one year of separation from service and there is no evidence showing that current hearing loss disability is related to active military service or onset in the first post-service year.,The Veteran's tinnitus is not related to his active military service, but rather due to nonservice-connected hearing loss. There are no objective findings linking the tinnitus to service.,There is insufficient evidence to establish service connection for nummular dermatitis as it was present prior to service and did not increase in severity during service.,The pre-existing nasal obstruction did not increase in severity during service, and any resulting disability from surgery conducted during service has been resolved.
- Claimed conditions
- intervertebral disc syndrome of the lumbar spine, bilateral hearing loss, tinnitus, nummular dermatitis, nasal obstruction with deformity, residuals of nasal surgery
- How they argued it
- Direct service connection
- Exposure basis
- None
- Rating assigned
- None in this decision
- Decision date
- September 26, 2017
- Citation
- 1742319
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 1742319.
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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 service connection for hearing loss, tinnitus, and an acquired psychiatric disorder due to incomplete medical records and need for further examination.
- Denied
The Board denied the Veteran's claims for service connection for tinnitus, arthritis, and memory loss. The decision found no evidence linking these conditions to his military service.
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