The Veteran's appeal for initial compensable ratings for bilateral hearing loss and tinnitus was denied. The Board found that the Veteran's hearing loss is rated at Level I, which corresponds to a noncompensable rating, and his tinnitus is already at its maximum schedular rating of 10 percent.
The deciding factor: The Veteran's hearing loss and tinnitus were evaluated based on VA audiometric examination results and applicable rating criteria. The mechanical application of the rating schedule did not yield an initial compensable rating for bilateral hearing loss, as it was rated at Level I. For tinnitus, the maximum schedular rating (10%) is already assigned.
- Claimed conditions
- bilateral hearing loss, tinnitus
- How they argued it
- Direct service connection
- Exposure basis
- None
- Rating assigned
- None in this decision
- Decision date
- October 9, 2020
- Citation
- A20015413
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.
- Remanded (sent back)
The Board remands the claim for service connection for tinnitus to correct a duty to assist error, as the Veteran's lay statements regarding onset and continuity of symptoms were not adequately considered in the previous decision.
- 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 tinnitus, cubital tunnel syndrome, right plantar fasciitis, and a right knee disability due to the lack of evidence supporting a nexus between these conditions and the Veteran's military service.
- Granted
The Board granted an effective date of April 25, 2022, for the award of service connection for tinnitus and a 100 percent initial rating for PTSD with alcohol use disorder.
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