The Board has denied service connection for left ear sensorineural hearing loss due to lack of objective medical evidence supporting a diagnosis. The issues of increased ratings for lumbar spine and lower extremity radiculopathy are remanded as the VA examiner did not provide an opinion regarding physician-prescribed bed rest during the appeal period.
The deciding factor: The Board found that there was no valid claim of service connection under 38 C.F.R. § 3.303(a) for left ear hearing loss due to lack of objective medical evidence supporting a diagnosis.
- Claimed conditions
- left ear sensorineural hearing loss (SNHL)
- How they argued it
- Direct service connection
- Exposure basis
- None
- Rating assigned
- None in this decision
- Decision date
- October 22, 2019
- Citation
- 19180317
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
Related decisions
Other Board decisions on a similar condition or argued the same way.
- Granted
The Board has determined that the Veteran's left ear sensorineural hearing loss is attributable to his in-service exposure to hazardous noise levels, and thus service connection for this condition is granted.
- Granted
The Board granted service connection for obstructive sleep apnea, effective from the date of the February 2025 rating decision.
- Remanded (sent back)
The Board remands the claim for a medical examination to determine if the Veteran's current neck strain is related to his in-service activities.
- Remanded (sent back)
The Board remands the claim for a rating in excess of 70 percent for PTSD due to an inadequate medical opinion.
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