The appeal of the denial of an increased rating for hearing loss is dismissed.,The petition to reopen the claim of service connection for low back disability, left eye disability, and skin disability are granted. Service connection for left eye disability is also granted.,Entitlement to service connection for depressive disorder, vascular disease including hypertension, Raynaud's syndrome, headaches, low back disability, neuropathy of the left lower extremity, neuropathy of the right lower extremity, and a compensable rating for right forehead scar are remanded.

The deciding factor: The Veteran withdrew his appeal of the denial of an increased rating for hearing loss.,New and material evidence was received sufficient to reopen the previously denied claims of service connection for low back disability, left eye disability, and skin disability. Service connection is granted for left eye disability due to in-service trauma resulting in a chorioretinal scar that caused vision loss.,The Veteran's current mental health diagnoses include major depressive disorder and possible PTSD. The evidence shows the Veteran has a history of head injuries during service and reports having dreams about being beaten with rifles, suggesting a nexus between his current mental health conditions and service.

Claimed conditions

hearing loss, low back disability, left eye disability, skin condition, depressive disorder, vascular disease including hypertension, Raynaud's syndrome, headaches, neuropathy of the left lower extremity, neuropathy of the right lower extremity, right forehead scar

How they argued it

Reopened with new and material evidence

Exposure basis

None

Rating assigned

None in this decision

Decision date

October 18, 2019

Citation

19179474

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 19179474.