The Veteran's tinnitus is currently rated at the maximum available evaluation of 10 percent.,Prior to September 1, 2015, his bilateral hearing loss disability was not compensable. However, as of that date, it warrants a 10 percent rating.,Effective from September 1, 2015, the Veteran's bilateral hearing loss disability is rated at 10 percent.
The deciding factor: The Veteran is already receiving the maximum evaluation for tinnitus under Diagnostic Code 6260. Any higher evaluation would require a showing of more severe symptoms or impairment not currently demonstrated.,Prior to September 1, 2015, the audiometric results did not meet the criteria for a compensable rating (i.e., they were below level II in both ears).,Effective from September 1, 2015, the Veteran's hearing loss disability met the criteria for a 10 percent evaluation as his speech discrimination ability was at least 76% in one ear and 72% in the other.
- Claimed conditions
- tinnitus, bilateral hearing loss
- How they argued it
- Direct service connection
- Exposure basis
- None
- Rating assigned
- None in this decision
- Decision date
- October 4, 2017
- Citation
- 1744315
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 1744315.
What this means for you
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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 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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