The Veteran's service-connected disabilities, including coronary artery disease, diabetes mellitus type II, and diabetic peripheral neuropathy of the bilateral lower extremities, have been granted. However, his claim for service connection for bilateral hearing loss is denied due to lack of current disability. The initial ratings for other conditions are also denied.
The deciding factor: The Veteran did not meet the criteria for a current disability of bilateral hearing loss as defined by VA regulations and there was no evidence of continuity of symptoms since service.
- Claimed conditions
- bilateral hearing loss, coronary artery disease/ischemic heart disease, diabetes mellitus type II, diabetic peripheral neuropathy of the bilateral lower extremities, diabetic peripheral neuropathy of the right lower extremity, diabetic peripheral neuropathy of the left lower extremity, bilateral diabetic retinopathy with cataracts, right hand status post-trigger finger repair, left hand status post-trigger finger repair
- How they argued it
- Direct service connection
- Exposure basis
- None
- Rating assigned
- 70%
- Decision date
- September 26, 2018
- Citation
- 18138919
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 18138919.
What this means for you
A grant means the Board agreed the veteran was entitled to the benefit. Decisions like this show the kind of evidence and arguments that tend to succeed for claims like it.
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.
- Dismissed
The Veteran's claim for an earlier effective date for diabetes mellitus type II with erectile dysfunction was denied as the evidence did not show that he had been diagnosed and manifested to at least a 10 percent disability rating on or prior to May 8, 2001.
- 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.
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