The Veteran's bilateral hearing loss is granted at a non-compensable rating prior to March 4, 2019, and a 40 percent rating thereafter. Tinnitus is granted as service-connected. Service connection for other specified trauma and stressor related disorder and unspecified mood disorder is also granted.
The deciding factor: The Veteran's tinnitus was diagnosed during the appeal period and confirmed by VA examination reports. His bilateral hearing loss is rated based on audiometric findings, with a 40 percent rating assigned as of March 4, 2019. Service connection for other specified trauma and stressor related disorder and unspecified mood disorder is granted due to his military service.
- Claimed conditions
- bilateral hearing loss, other specified trauma and stressor related disorder, unspecified mood disorder
- How they argued it
- Direct service connection
- Exposure basis
- None
- Rating assigned
- 40%
- Decision date
- October 10, 2019
- Citation
- 19178057
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.
- 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.
- Granted
The Board granted service connection for bilateral hearing loss, finding it at least as likely as not related to the Veteran's in-service noise exposure.
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.