The Veteran's service connection for left ear hearing loss disability is granted. The rating for degenerative disc disease of the lumbar spine remains at 40 percent, but a higher rating is granted for left lower extremity neurological impairment.
The deciding factor: The VA medical opinions were found inadequate and the Veteran's credible statements regarding his exposure to noise during service supported by his current diagnosis of hearing loss disability are considered in favor of granting service connection. The increased ratings are based on the Veteran’s competent reports of pain, weakness, and functional limitations.
- Claimed conditions
- left ear hearing loss disability, degenerative disc disease of the lumbar spine, left lower extremity neurological impairment
- How they argued it
- Direct service connection
- Exposure basis
- None
- Rating
- Not verified here — check the original decision
- Decision date
- June 19, 2018
- Citation
- 18111280
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 18111280.
What this means for you
A grant means the Board allowed the benefit or issue identified in this decision. Review the original order: other issues in the same appeal may have a different outcome, and this decision does not predict another claim.
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 hypertension, left knee patellofemoral syndrome, and right knee patellofemoral syndrome have been granted service connection as secondary to his service-connected disabilities. The lumbar spine disability has also been granted but the effective date is not specified.
- Whole decision: Dismissed
The Veteran's claims for service connection have been dismissed due to the death of the Veteran.
- Whole decision: Dismissed
The Veteran's appeal for left ear hearing loss disability is dismissed. The Board has remanded the claims for service connection of left and right knee disabilities due to a lack of medical nexus opinions regarding pre-service conditions.
- Whole decision: Remanded (sent back)
The Board has remanded the Veteran's claims for service connection and increased rating for various conditions, including allergic rhinitis, sleep apnea, degenerative disc disease of the lumbar spine, lower extremity radiculopathies, and left lower extremity radiculopathy with foot drop. The issues include determining if these conditions are related to service or other factors.
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