The Board denied the Veteran's claims for higher initial and increased disability ratings for bilateral tympanic scarring post tympanoplasty and bilateral hearing loss, finding that the evidence did not meet the criteria for a compensable rating under applicable VA regulations.
The deciding factor: The evidence showed no disfigurement or instability of the tympanic scars, and the Veteran's bilateral hearing loss was manifested by Level III hearing in both ears at any point during the appeal period.
- Claimed conditions
- Bilateral Tympanic Scarring Post Tympanoplasty, Bilateral Hearing Loss
- How they argued it
- Direct service connection
- Exposure basis
- None
- Rating assigned
- None in this decision
- Decision date
- November 5, 2019
- Citation
- 19183862
What this means for you
A denial is a starting point, not the end of the road. You can see why this claim fell short — and, if you are still inside the one-year window, the appeal lanes that may remain open to you.
What you can do next
Related decisions
Other Board decisions on a similar condition or argued the same way.
- Granted
The Board granted service connection for bilateral hearing loss and tinnitus, finding that the Veteran's conditions are related to in-service noise exposure.
- Denied
The Board denied the veteran's claims for a compensable rating for bilateral hearing loss, an initial rating in excess of 50 percent for PTSD, entitlement to TDIU, and SMC based on housebound status.
- Denied
The Board denied service connection for asbestosis, bronchitis, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), rhinitis, sinusitis, and asthma. The Veteran's bilateral hearing loss was also denied a compensable rating.
- Denied
The Board denied service connection for various disabilities and denied higher ratings for several service-connected conditions.
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