The Board denied the Veteran's claims for service connection for hearing loss of the right ear and for increased ratings for hallux valgus of both feet. The Veteran was found not to have a current disability that meets VA criteria for hearing loss in the right ear, and his claim for an increased rating for hallux valgus of the right great toe was denied as well.
The deciding factor: The evidence did not meet the objective criteria established by VA for establishing a current diagnosis of hearing loss in the right ear. The Veteran's service treatment records were negative for any complaints or findings related to hearing loss, and his audiometric testing during service showed normal hearing sensitivity. Post-service evaluations also failed to show a current disability that meets VA standards.
- Claimed conditions
- Hearing loss of the right ear, Hallux valgus of the right great toe, Hallux valgus of the left great toe
- How they argued it
- Direct service connection
- Exposure basis
- None
- Rating assigned
- None in this decision
- Decision date
- November 28, 2017
- Citation
- 1754267
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 1754267.
What this means for you
A denial is a starting point, not the end of the road. You can see why this claim fell short — and, if you are still inside the one-year window, the appeal lanes that may remain open to you.
What you can do next
Related decisions
Other Board decisions on a similar condition or argued the same way.
- Remanded (sent back)
The Board has found that a remand is necessary due to the Veteran's assertion of worsening hearing loss. The case will be returned for further development, including scheduling a VA examination and obtaining any outstanding medical records.
- Remanded (sent back)
The Board has remanded the case due to an inadequate nexus opinion regarding the Veteran's hearing loss of the right ear, which may still be related to service despite no hearing loss at separation.
- Granted
The Veteran's claim for service connection for hearing loss of the right ear is denied.,The Veteran's claim for service connection for degenerative joint disease of the SI joint is remanded.
- Denied
The Board denied the veteran's claims for service connection for hearing loss of both ears as there was no evidence of a current disability in accordance with VA standards.
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