The Veteran's service connection claim for left ear hearing loss is denied as the preexisting condition did not increase in severity during service. The right ear hearing loss rating claim is also denied due to a lack of evidence showing an increase in disability beyond its natural progression.
The deciding factor: The preexisting left ear hearing loss was noted on the Veteran's entrance examination and did not worsen during service, thus failing the presumption of aggravation. Right ear hearing loss showed no significant change between enlistment and separation exams, with improvement observed in the left ear.
- Claimed conditions
- left ear hearing loss, right ear hearing loss
- How they argued it
- Presumptive (no nexus needed)
- Exposure basis
- None
- Rating assigned
- 0%
- Decision date
- September 20, 2018
- Citation
- 18137247
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 18137247.
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Related decisions
Other Board decisions on a similar condition or argued the same way.
- Denied
The Veteran's claim for an initial compensable disability rating for onychomycosis was denied as the condition did not require treatment and covered less than 5% of his body. The Board also remanded issues regarding service connection for left ear hearing loss and entitlement to a compensable disability rating for right ear hearing loss.
- Dismissed
The Veteran withdrew his appeal for service connection of right ear hearing loss, and the case is dismissed.
- Remanded (sent back)
The Board has remanded the claims for shin splints, right knee disability, acquired psychiatric disorder (depression), stomach disability, and left ear hearing loss due to errors in providing notice of the right to a hearing.
- Dismissed
The Board dismissed the Veteran's appeals for service connection of sleep apnea, left lower extremity (LLE) sciatic nerve radiculopathy, and right ear hearing loss due to untimely filing.,The Board also dismissed the appeal for service connection of left ear hearing loss as moot because it was already granted in a prior decision.
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