The Veteran's claim of service connection for bilateral hearing loss is denied as there is no evidence meeting the criteria for a disability under VA regulations.,Service connection for hyperlipidemia is denied because it does not constitute a disability under VA law and regulations.,Service connection for an acquired psychiatric disorder, including PTSD, is denied due to lack of a confirmed in-service stressor. The Veteran's records show he was diagnosed with other psychiatric disorders.
The deciding factor: The audiometric testing did not meet the criteria set forth in 38 C.F.R. § 3.385 for hearing loss as a disability.,Hyperlipidemia is considered a laboratory finding and not a disability under VA regulations.,There is no confirmed in-service stressor to support service connection for an acquired psychiatric disorder.
- Claimed conditions
- bilateral hearing loss, hyperlipidemia, acquired psychiatric disorder (including PTSD), arthritis, diabetes mellitus type II
- How they argued it
- Not specified
- Exposure basis
- None
- Rating assigned
- None in this decision
- Decision date
- January 22, 2019
- Citation
- 19104769
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.
- Remanded (sent back)
The Board remands the appeal to obtain a VA medical opinion that considers the Veteran's contentions of in-service training with heavy gear and equipment.
- 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).
- Partly granted
The Veteran's tinnitus is granted, while fibromyalgia, internal or external hemorrhoids, bilateral hearing loss, and neuropathy are denied.
We are not the VA. Veterans’ Rights is an independent resource built for veterans. We are not the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs, not part of the government, and not endorsed by any government agency.
This is general information, not legal advice. For advice about your own situation, talk to a VA-accredited representative — many help for free.