The Veteran's claim for service connection for bilateral hearing loss and tinnitus was denied, while his claim for a compensable disability rating for herpes simplex was granted. The claims for initial ratings for left hip bursitis (limitation of flexion), extension, and abduction were also granted. His claim for an increased rating for major depressive disorder was denied.
The deciding factor: The Veteran's current diagnoses did not meet the criteria for a disability for VA purposes in terms of bilateral hearing loss and tinnitus, and his symptoms did not meet the criteria for a compensable disability rating for herpes simplex under Diagnostic Code 7806. The claims were granted based on direct service connection.
- Claimed conditions
- Bilateral Hearing Loss, Tinnitus, Herpes Simplex, Left Hip Bursitis (limitation of flexion), Left Hip Bursitis (limitation of extension), Left Hip Bursitis (limitation of abduction), Major Depressive Disorder
- How they argued it
- Direct service connection
- Exposure basis
- None
- Rating assigned
- 60%
- Decision date
- August 20, 2020
- Citation
- 20055311
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 20055311.
What this means for you
A grant means the Board agreed the veteran was entitled to the benefit. Decisions like this show the kind of evidence and arguments that tend to succeed for claims like it.
What you can do next
Related decisions
Other Board decisions on a similar condition or argued the same way.
- Denied
The Board denied service connection for bilateral hearing loss and tinnitus, finding that the Veteran's current conditions are not related to his military service.
- Granted
The Veteran's bilateral hearing loss is granted as service-connected. The claims for alcohol abuse and psychiatric disorder are remanded for additional development, including a VA examination to determine the nature and etiology of these conditions.
- Granted
The Veteran's major depressive disorder is found to be caused by his service-connected low back and radiculopathy disabilities, which prevent him from doing enjoyable activities and daily living tasks.
- Remanded (sent back)
The Veteran's claims for an increased rating for PTSD and TDIU are being remanded due to the need for additional development, including a new VA examination.
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