The Board has determined that additional development is needed for the claims related to hearing loss and tinnitus, as well as other conditions. The Veteran will be asked to provide information about any private doctors who have treated these disabilities, and another VA audiological examination will be scheduled.
The deciding factor: The current evidence does not include a comprehensive medical opinion regarding the etiology of the Veteran's hearing loss and tinnitus, which are critical for determining appropriate disability ratings. The Board also finds that additional development is needed to ensure all relevant records have been obtained and reviewed.
- Claimed conditions
- pseudofolliculitis barbae, degenerative changes of the right ankle with osteophytic spurs, residuals of a right foot injury with degenerative changes, allergic rhinitis, left knee disability, right knee disability, left ankle disability, left foot disability, left heel disability, left flat foot, low back disability
- How they argued it
- Not specified
- Exposure basis
- None
- Rating assigned
- None in this decision
- Decision date
- April 3, 2019
- Citation
- 19124844
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.
- Denied
The Board denied increased ratings for the Veteran's lumbar spine pain, allergic rhinitis, and recurrent yeast infections. The claims for service connection for generalized anxiety disorder with alcohol use disorder and left knee pain were remanded.
- 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.
- 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 a new examination to determine the severity of the Veteran's allergic rhinitis, including whether there is any nasal obstruction or polyps.
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