The Board denied the Veteran's claims for service connection for right ear hearing loss and increased disability ratings for his service-connected residuals of fracture of the left wrist, trigger finger, sarcoidosis, and scar on the left first metacarpal (thumb). The appeals were based on direct service connection without any presumption or secondary basis.
The deciding factor: The objective medical evidence did not meet the criteria for a current right ear hearing disability under VA regulations. For the other conditions, the Board found that there was no evidence of ankylosis or compensable limitation of motion in line with the forearm or dorsiflexion less than 15 degrees.
- Claimed conditions
- Right ear hearing loss, Left wrist fracture with radial side involvement, Trigger finger, left index finger, Sarcoidosis, Scar on the left first metacarpal (thumb)
- How they argued it
- Direct service connection
- Exposure basis
- None
- Rating
- Not verified here — check the original decision
- Decision date
- October 23, 2018
- Citation
- 18143502
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 18143502.
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: Remanded (sent back)
The Board has remanded the claims for further development due to insufficient evidence and need for additional examinations.
- Whole decision: Dismissed
The appeal for service connection for a right ear hearing loss disability is dismissed. The appeal for service connection for bilateral knee disabilities is denied.
- Whole decision: Remanded (sent back)
The Board has remanded the Veteran's claims for a compensable rating for right ear hearing loss and service connection for left ear hearing loss due to inadequate audiometric examinations. The Veteran will be scheduled for new VA examinations to determine the nature and etiology of his left ear hearing loss and the severity of his hearing loss.
- Whole decision: Dismissed
The appeal as to the proposed severance of service connection for sarcoidosis is dismissed. The Veteran's OSA and BHL are denied, but a compensable rating is granted for BHL.
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