The Veteran's claim for an initial compensable rating for bilateral hearing loss is denied as his hearing acuity does not warrant a higher evaluation.,Service connection for an acquired psychiatric disorder, to include somatic symptoms disorder, is remanded due to the need for additional development and medical opinion.
The deciding factor: The Veteran's hearing acuity did not meet the criteria for a compensable rating under VA regulations. The noncompensable evaluation should not be disturbed.,There are insufficient records or opinions regarding the etiology of the acquired psychiatric disorder, necessitating further development and medical opinion.
- Claimed conditions
- {"condition_name":"Bilateral Hearing Loss"}, {"condition_name":"Acquired Psychiatric Disorder (Somatic Symptoms Disorder)"}, {"condition_name":"Cephalgia, to include as secondary to cervical strain"}, {"condition_name":"Back Disorder"}, {"condition_name":"Gastrointestinal Disorder, to include chronic diarrhea and colitis"}, {"condition_name":"Right Nephrectomy, Residual Kidney Cancer"}, {"condition_name":"Bilateral Hand Tremors"}, {"condition_name":"Respiratory Disorder, to include COPD"}
- How they argued it
- Not specified
- Exposure basis
- None
- Rating assigned
- None in this decision
- Decision date
- October 18, 2019
- Citation
- 19179527
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
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This is general information, not legal advice. For advice about your own situation, talk to a VA-accredited representative — many help for free.