The Veteran's initial compensable rating for bilateral hearing loss and a 10% rating for tinnitus are denied. The issues of service connection for basal cell carcinoma, peripheral neuropathy (left lower extremity), and peripheral neuropathy (right lower extremity) are remanded.
The deciding factor: The evidence does not support the grant of an initial compensable rating for bilateral hearing loss or a higher rating for tinnitus as there is no exceptional pattern of hearing impairment. The Veteran's service connection claims for basal cell carcinoma, peripheral neuropathy (left and right lower extremities) are remanded due to insufficient medical nexus opinions.
- Claimed conditions
- bilateral hearing loss, tinnitus, basal cell carcinoma (skin cancer), peripheral neuropathy (left lower extremity), peripheral neuropathy (right lower extremity)
- How they argued it
- Not specified
- Exposure basis
- Gulf War
- Rating assigned
- None in this decision
- Decision date
- November 21, 2018
- Citation
- 18152151
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 18152151.
What this means for you
A remand is not a loss. The Board sent the case back for more development — often a new exam or missing records — before making a final decision. Many remands later end in a grant, and the decision spells out exactly what the Board wanted to see.
What you can do next
Related decisions
Other Board decisions on a similar condition or argued the same way.
- Partly granted
The Board granted service connection for asthma and remanded claims for insomnia and sleep apnea. Other conditions were denied.
- Dismissed
The Veteran withdrew the appeals for service connection for bilateral pes planus, obstructive sleep apnea, bilateral hearing loss, tinnitus, and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD).
- Denied
The Board denied service connection for multiple conditions, including bilateral hearing loss and various musculoskeletal issues, as well as an initial rating in excess of 0 percent for rhinitis. However, the Board granted a 70 percent rating for posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD).
- Remanded (sent back)
The Board remands the claim for service connection for tinnitus to correct a duty to assist error, as the Veteran's lay statements regarding onset and continuity of symptoms were not adequately considered in the previous decision.
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