The Veteran's cervical spine disorder, bilateral hearing loss, and bilateral otitis media were evaluated. The cervical spine disorder was denied service connection due to lack of evidence linking the condition to service. Bilateral hearing loss did not meet criteria for a compensable rating. Bilateral otitis media received the maximum schedular rating. For lumbar spine disability prior to July 8, 2015, a 40% rating was granted; since then, no higher rating is warranted.
The deciding factor: The Veteran's cervical spine disorder could not be linked to service due to lack of supporting evidence. Her bilateral hearing loss did not meet the criteria for a compensable rating based on audiometric results. The maximum schedular rating (10%) was assigned for her bilateral otitis media, and no higher rating is warranted.
- Claimed conditions
- Cervical Spine Disorder, Bilateral Hearing Loss, Bilateral Otitis Media
- How they argued it
- Direct service connection
- Exposure basis
- None
- Rating
- Not verified here — check the original decision
- Decision date
- August 9, 2018
- Citation
- 18125258
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 18125258.
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: 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 Veteran's hearing loss was rated at 30 percent, the highest non-compensable rating available. The Board found that his hearing loss did not warrant a higher rating based on VA examinations and medical records.
- Whole decision: Denied
The Board denied the Veteran's claim for service connection for bilateral hearing loss, finding that there was no evidence of a nexus between his current hearing loss and his active service. The Board noted that while he had complaints of earaches in service, these did not indicate a current disability.
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