The Veteran's claim for a higher rating for residuals of healed injury right wrist is denied as the evidence does not show ankylosis or more than limitation of motion.,Service connection for bilateral hearing loss and tinnitus is denied because there is no current diagnosis of these conditions, and the preponderance of the evidence does not support their onset during service.
The deciding factor: The Veteran's residuals of healed injury right wrist do not meet the criteria for a higher rating as they are currently rated at the maximum available under Diagnostic Code 5215.,There is no current diagnosis of bilateral hearing loss or tinnitus, and the preponderance of the evidence does not support their onset during service.
- Claimed conditions
- residuals of healed injury right wrist, bilateral hearing loss, tinnitus, diabetes mellitus, anxiety attacks, PTSD, major depression, herniated disks in neck, sleep apnea, sleep disorder
- How they argued it
- Direct service connection
- Exposure basis
- None
- Rating
- Not verified here — check the original decision
- Decision date
- September 11, 2019
- Citation
- 19170178
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. Read the original VA decision (opens in a new tab) using citation 19170178.
What this means for you
A final Board denial may be appealed to the U.S. Court of Appeals for Veterans Claims, generally within 120 days of the Board mailing date. A Supplemental Claim with new and relevant evidence is a separate option. Another Higher-Level Review of the Board decision is not available. Check your own notice: this historical decision does not set your deadline.
What you can do next
Use your own notice and decision stage. A remanded issue is not a final court-appealable denial. VA review guidance and CAVC filing instructions (U.S. federal; reviewed October 7, 2026).
Related decisions
Other Board decisions on a similar condition or argued the same way.
- Whole decision: Dismissed
The Veteran's appeal for service connection of bilateral hearing loss and a ruptured right ear drum was dismissed due to the death of the Veteran.
- Whole decision: Denied
The Board found that the Veteran's bilateral hearing loss was noted upon entry into active duty service and did not increase in severity during service. Therefore, it denied his claim for service connection.
- Whole decision: Remanded (sent back)
The Board has remanded the claims for service connection for hearing loss, tinnitus, and an acquired psychiatric disorder due to incomplete medical records and need for further examination.
- Whole decision: Denied
The Board denied the Veteran's claims for service connection for tinnitus, arthritis, and memory loss. The decision found no evidence linking these conditions to his military service.
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