The Veteran's bilateral hearing loss is no worse than a level I hearing impairment in each ear, resulting in a noncompensable rating.,Service connection for bilateral pes planus has been granted on the basis of aggravation. The evidence is at least evenly balanced as to whether the disability was aggravated by service.,Service connection for DJD of the left hip and right hip has been granted based on the presumption that the disability was aggravated by service.,Service connection for an acquired psychiatric disorder (adjustment disorder) has been granted.
The deciding factor: The Veteran's hearing loss does not meet the criteria for a compensable rating as per VA’s rating schedule. The March 2018 audiometric results translated to level I in each ear, resulting in no more than a noncompensable rating.,The evidence is at least evenly balanced as to whether the bilateral pes planus was aggravated by service. The Veteran's statements and September 2017 report of consultation suggest an increase in his pes planus during service.,Service connection for DJD of the left hip and right hip has been granted based on the presumption that the disability was aggravated by service, as there is no clear and unmistakable evidence rebutting this presumption.,The acquired psychiatric disorder (adjustment disorder) claim has been recharacterized in light of Clemons v. Shinseki, 23 Vet. App. 1, 4-5 (2009). The Veteran's statements suggest an increase in his condition during service.
- Claimed conditions
- bilateral hearing loss, bilateral pes planus, DJD of the left hip, DJD of the right hip, acquired psychiatric disorder
- How they argued it
- Aggravation of a pre-existing condition
- Exposure basis
- None
- Rating assigned
- None in this decision
- Decision date
- November 26, 2018
- Citation
- 18152884
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 18152884.
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.
- 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 case for additional development regarding the Veteran's service connection claim for an acquired psychiatric disorder, including PTSD.
- 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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