The Board found that the Veteran's right ear sensorineural hearing loss is not related to service, specifically due to a lack of evidence showing hearing loss during service and no significant shift in hearing between entrance and separation. The VA audiologists concluded it was less likely than not caused by or the result of in-service noise exposure.
The deciding factor: The preponderance of the evidence does not support a finding that the Veteran's right ear sensorineural hearing loss is related to service, including due to in-service noise exposure.
- Claimed conditions
- Right Ear Sensorineural Hearing Loss
- How they argued it
- Direct service connection
- Exposure basis
- None
- Rating
- Not verified here — check the original decision
- Decision date
- October 24, 2017
- Citation
- 1747579
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. Read the original VA decision (opens in a new tab) using citation 1747579.
What this means for you
A final Board denial may be appealed to the U.S. Court of Appeals for Veterans Claims, generally within 120 days of the Board mailing date. A Supplemental Claim with new and relevant evidence is a separate option. Another Higher-Level Review of the Board decision is not available. Check your own notice: this historical decision does not set your deadline.
What you can do next
Use your own notice and decision stage. A remanded issue is not a final court-appealable denial. VA review guidance and CAVC filing instructions (U.S. federal; reviewed October 7, 2026).
Related decisions
Other Board decisions on a similar condition or argued the same way.
- Whole decision: Granted
The Board has granted service connection for right ear sensorineural hearing loss, finding that the Veteran's current condition is due to his military noise exposure during service.
- Whole decision: Remanded (sent back)
The Veteran's appeal is being remanded for additional development to obtain private medical records and a VA examination.
- Whole decision: Granted
The Veteran's right ear sensorineural hearing loss is presumed to have been incurred in active military service due to exposure to loud noise during service.
- Whole decision: Granted
The Board has determined that the Veteran's right ear hearing loss is a result of noise exposure during service and has granted service connection for this condition.
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