The Veteran's claim for service connection for an ear disorder is denied as there is no diagnosed chronic ear disorder.,The Veteran's claim for a compensable evaluation for bilateral hearing loss is denied as his current hearing impairment does not meet the criteria for any higher rating under VA regulations.,The Veteran's claim for a compensable evaluation for hemorrhoids prior to April 8, 2003, and in excess of 10 percent thereafter is denied due to lack of evidence of persistent bleeding or anemia.,The Veteran's claim for a 20 percent evaluation or greater for gastric ulcer disorder as of November 24, 2010, is granted. Prior to this date, the claim remains denied.,The Veteran's claim for a rating in excess of 40 percent for low back disorder is denied due to lack of evidence of ankylosis or intervertebral disc syndrome resulting in incapacitating episodes totalling at least six weeks in a twelve-month period.,The Veteran's claim for a separate evaluation for urinary incontinence as a neurological manifestation of his low back disorder is granted.,The Veteran's claim for TDIU based on service-connected disabilities is granted.
The deciding factor: There is no diagnosed chronic ear disorder. The Veteran’s contentions are not supported by objective medical evidence.,The Veteran's current hearing impairment does not meet the criteria for any higher rating under VA regulations, as it falls within the noncompensable range (Level I).,Prior to April 8, 2003, the Veteran's hemorrhoids resulted in mild or moderate symptomatology. As of this date, there is no evidence of persistent bleeding with secondary anemia or fissures.,The Veteran’s gastric ulcer disorder has been manifest by continuous moderate manifestations since November 24, 2010. However, prior to this date, the claim remains denied as there was insufficient evidence for a higher evaluation.,There is no competent medical evidence of ankylosis or intervertebral disc syndrome resulting in incapacitating episodes totalling at least six weeks in a twelve-month period for the low back disorder.,The Veteran's urinary incontinence is considered a neurological manifestation of his low back disorder, as supported by VA examination findings. The initial determination regarding degree of impairment will be obtained pursuant to remand.,The Veteran’s service-connected disabilities render him unable to obtain or maintain gainful employment consistent with his educational and occupational background.
- Claimed conditions
- Ear disorder, Hemorrhoids, Gastric ulcer disorder, Low back disorder
- How they argued it
- Direct service connection
- Exposure basis
- None
- Rating assigned
- None in this decision
- Decision date
- July 25, 2018
- Citation
- 18121411
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 18121411.
What this means for you
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What you can do next
Related decisions
Other Board decisions on a similar condition or argued the same way.
- Granted
The Veteran's claim for a low back disorder was reopened, and his claims for increased ratings of bilateral knee instability were granted. His hearing loss claim was denied.
- Dismissed
The Veteran withdrew his appeal for an increased evaluation of his hemorrhoids, so the case is dismissed.
- Granted
The Board has granted service connection for a low back disorder. The claims for bilateral hearing loss, hypertension, bilateral knee disorder, and an acquired psychiatric disorder are remanded.
- Denied
The Board denied service connection for a low back disorder, finding that the evidence did not show an in-service onset or relationship to service.
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