The Veteran's appeal for service connection for residuals of broken left index finger, bilateral hearing loss disability, and scarring as a result of MRSA infection is denied. The Veteran's appeal for an increased rating for tinnitus is also denied.,A new VA examination is required to determine the current severity of the Veteran's lumbar spine disability.
The deciding factor: The preponderance of evidence does not support a finding that the Veteran has any diagnosed conditions related to his service, including residuals of broken left index finger and bilateral hearing loss. The Veteran’s MRSA infection is considered in-service but no current disability was found.,There is insufficient information regarding the severity of the Veteran's lumbar spine disability as it relates to flare-ups and functional loss.
- Claimed conditions
- {"condition_name":"residuals of broken left index finger","status":"denied"}, {"condition_name":"bilateral hearing loss disability","status":"denied"}, {"condition_name":"residuals, to include scarring, as a result of MRSA infection","status":"granted"}, {"condition_name":"tinnitus","status":"denied"}
- How they argued it
- Direct service connection
- Exposure basis
- None
- Rating assigned
- None in this decision
- Decision date
- January 25, 2019
- Citation
- 19106133
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
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