The Veteran's tinnitus is currently rated at the maximum schedular rating of 10 percent, and an increased rating is denied.,The effective date for a 80 percent rating for bilateral hearing loss has been changed to January 6, 2014. The earlier claim for this increase in disability is remanded as it cannot be granted prior to the date of treatment on January 6, 2014.,Service connection for an acquired psychiatric disorder including major depressive disorder is being remanded due to a lack of VA examination and opinion.
The deciding factor: The maximum schedular rating for tinnitus has been assigned, and no higher rating can be granted under the applicable regulations.,An earlier effective date cannot be granted as the increase in disability was factually ascertainable on January 6, 2014.,VA must provide an examination to determine if service connection is warranted for a psychiatric disorder including major depressive disorder.
- Claimed conditions
- tinnitus, bilateral hearing loss, acquired psychiatric disorder including major depressive disorder
- How they argued it
- Secondary to another service-connected condition
- Exposure basis
- None
- Rating
- Not verified here — check the original decision
- Decision date
- October 25, 2018
- Citation
- 18144169
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 18144169.
What this means for you
A remand sends an issue back for more development, often a new examination or missing records. It does not award the benefit or decide the final outcome. The original decision explains the additional work ordered.
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 service connection for hearing loss, tinnitus, and an acquired psychiatric disorder due to incomplete medical records and need for further examination.
- Denied
The Board denied the Veteran's claims for service connection for tinnitus, arthritis, and memory loss. The decision found no evidence linking these conditions to his military service.
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