The Veteran's right ear hearing loss is granted service connection, while left ear hearing loss and hypertension are denied. The initial ratings for upper extremity peripheral neuropathy and radiculopathy are also granted.
The deciding factor: Service connection was established based on the benefit of doubt in favor of the Veteran regarding his right ear hearing loss. Initial ratings were assigned for upper extremity and lower extremity conditions, with hypertension receiving a non-compensable rating.
- Claimed conditions
- Right Ear Hearing Loss, Left Ear Hearing Loss, Hypertension, Right Upper Extremity Peripheral Neuropathy, Left Upper Extremity Peripheral Neuropathy, Right Lower Extremity Radiculopathy, Left Lower Extremity Radiculopathy, Lumbar Spine Disorder (Degenerative Disc Disease, Syringomyelia and Intervertebral Disc Syndrome)
- How they argued it
- Direct service connection
- Exposure basis
- None
- Rating assigned
- 20%
- Decision date
- July 30, 2019
- Citation
- 19158432
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 19158432.
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.
- Denied
The Board denied the claim of service connection for hypertension, finding that it did not manifest during service and is not causally related to the Veteran's exposure to herbicides or service.
- Denied
The Board denied the Veteran's claim for service connection for hypertension, finding that there was no evidence of a nexus between his current condition and active duty service or herbicide exposure.
- Denied
The Board has denied service connection for hypertension and has remanded the issue of an increased rating for skin condition.
- Granted
The Board has restored the Veteran's 10% rating for hypertension effective December 1, 2025 and denied a rating in excess of 10%. The reduction from 10% to noncompensable was not proper.
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