The Veteran's claim for increased rating of his left ear hearing loss is granted, and he is assigned a 10 percent disability rating. His right testicle atrophy with history of epididymitis also results in a compensable rating. The Veteran is awarded SMC in excess of the (k) rate due to both the loss of use of a creative organ (right testicle) and deafness in his left ear.
The deciding factor: The Veteran's hearing loss in his left ear meets the criteria for a 10 percent disability rating under the provisions of VA's Rating Schedule. The right testicle atrophy with history of epididymitis also results in a compensable rating, as it is not service-connected and does not meet any other specific theories of service connection.
- Claimed conditions
- left ear hearing loss, right testicle atrophy with history of epididymitis
- How they argued it
- Direct service connection
- Exposure basis
- None
- Rating assigned
- 10%
- Decision date
- October 6, 2017
- Citation
- 1744761
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 1744761.
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.
- Denied
The Veteran's claim for an initial compensable disability rating for onychomycosis was denied as the condition did not require treatment and covered less than 5% of his body. The Board also remanded issues regarding service connection for left ear hearing loss and entitlement to a compensable disability rating for right ear hearing loss.
- Remanded (sent back)
The Board has remanded the claims for shin splints, right knee disability, acquired psychiatric disorder (depression), stomach disability, and left ear hearing loss due to errors in providing notice of the right to a hearing.
- Dismissed
The Board dismissed the Veteran's appeals for service connection of sleep apnea, left lower extremity (LLE) sciatic nerve radiculopathy, and right ear hearing loss due to untimely filing.,The Board also dismissed the appeal for service connection of left ear hearing loss as moot because it was already granted in a prior decision.
- Remanded (sent back)
The Board has remanded the case for further development and consideration of the Veteran's claims for service connection for right ear hearing loss. The Veteran does not have left ear hearing loss for VA purposes.
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