The Veteran's initial claim for an increased rating for bilateral hearing loss was denied as his disability did not meet the criteria for a compensable evaluation.,For hypertension, prior to June 9, 2017, the Veteran's disability picture did not warrant a compensable rating. Since then, it has been manifested by diastolic pressure less than 110 and systolic pressure less than 200.
The deciding factor: The Veteran's hearing impairment was rated as Level III in both ears, resulting in a zero percent evaluation under the applicable VA rating schedule. The exceptional pattern of hearing impairment provisions were not met.,For hypertension, prior to June 9, 2017, the Veteran did not have diastolic pressure predominantly 100 or more or systolic pressure predominantly 160 or more, which are required for a compensable rating. Since then, his blood pressure readings were below these thresholds.
- Claimed conditions
- Bilateral Hearing Loss, Hypertension
- How they argued it
- Direct service connection
- Exposure basis
- None
- Rating
- Not verified here — check the original decision
- Decision date
- February 8, 2018
- Citation
- 1808279
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 1808279.
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 Veteran's bilateral hearing loss is granted as service-connected. The claims for alcohol abuse and psychiatric disorder are remanded for additional development, including a VA examination to determine the nature and etiology of these conditions.
- Whole decision: Denied
The Board denied the claim of service connection for hypertension, finding that it did not manifest during service and is not causally related to the Veteran's exposure to herbicides or service.
- Whole decision: Remanded (sent back)
The Board has decided to remand the case due to a need for a new VA examination to assess the current severity of the Veteran's bilateral hearing loss. The issue remains under direct service connection theory.
- Whole decision: Denied
The Board denied the Veteran's claim for service connection for hypertension, finding that there was no evidence of a nexus between his current condition and active duty service or herbicide exposure.
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