The Veteran's claims for an initial rating in excess of 10 percent for tinnitus and an initial compensable rating for bilateral hearing loss have been denied. The maximum schedular rating available for tinnitus has already been assigned, and the Veteran does not have any manifestations that are not contemplated by this rating. For his bilateral hearing loss, the evidence shows Level I hearing in both ears, which corresponds to a noncompensable rating.
The deciding factor: The Veteran's service-connected conditions do not meet the criteria for higher schedular ratings as they are already at their maximum assigned levels and there is no evidence of additional manifestations or exceptional patterns of hearing loss that would warrant an increase.
- Claimed conditions
- tinnitus, bilateral hearing loss
- How they argued it
- Direct service connection
- Exposure basis
- None
- Rating assigned
- 10%
- Decision date
- December 23, 2019
- Citation
- A19003799
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 A19003799.
What this means for you
A denial is a starting point, not the end of the road. You can see why this claim fell short — and, if you are still inside the one-year window, the appeal lanes that may remain open to you.
What you can do next
Related decisions
Other Board decisions on a similar condition or argued the same way.
- 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.
- 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 tinnitus, cubital tunnel syndrome, right plantar fasciitis, and a right knee disability due to the lack of evidence supporting a nexus between these conditions and the Veteran's military service.
- Granted
The Board granted an effective date of April 25, 2022, for the award of service connection for tinnitus and a 100 percent initial rating for PTSD with alcohol use disorder.
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