The Veteran's claims for bilateral hearing loss, depression, and alcohol dependency disorder have been reopened. Service connection is granted for acquired psychiatric disorders (other than alcohol dependency disorder). Secondary service connection is granted for alcohol dependency disorder as it is proximately due or aggravated by an already service-connected condition.
The deciding factor: The evidence received since the final denial of the claims raises a reasonable possibility of substantiating the Veteran's claim, and thus new and material evidence has been received. Service connection is granted for acquired psychiatric disorders (other than alcohol dependency disorder) as they are related to military service. Secondary service connection is granted for alcohol dependency disorder as it is proximately due or aggravated by an already service-connected condition.
- Claimed conditions
- bilateral hearing loss, depression, alcohol dependency disorder, acquired psychiatric disorders
- How they argued it
- Not specified
- Exposure basis
- None
- Rating
- Not verified here — check the original decision
- Decision date
- August 2, 2018
- Citation
- 18123602
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 18123602.
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
Related decisions
Other Board decisions on a similar condition or argued the same way.
- Dismissed
The Veteran's appeal for service connection of bilateral hearing loss and a ruptured right ear drum was dismissed due to the death of the Veteran.
- Denied
The Board found that the Veteran's bilateral hearing loss was noted upon entry into active duty service and did not increase in severity during service. Therefore, it denied his claim for service connection.
- Remanded (sent back)
The Board has remanded the claims for bilateral hearing loss, migraine headaches, and PTSD due to additional development of records and examination.
- Remanded (sent back)
The Board has decided to remand the case due to insufficient evidence regarding the Veteran's bilateral hearing loss claim, specifically needing an addendum opinion from a VA examiner. The Veteran will be asked to provide any missing records and former employers' information.
Free starter guide for your own claim
Reading this because you were denied or under-rated? Get the plain-English next steps — your appeal options, the deadline that protects you, and how appeals like yours turn out. One email, no spam.
We will only use this to send the guide. No spam, unsubscribe any time. We never sell your information.
We are not the VA. Veterans’ Rights is an independent resource built for veterans. We are not the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs, not part of the government, and not endorsed by any government agency.
This is general information, not legal advice. For advice about your own situation, talk to a VA-accredited representative — many help for free.