The Veteran's claim for a higher rating for bilateral hearing loss prior to May 7, 2020 and since that date was denied. The Veteran also had his initial ratings for degenerative joint disease with malunion of the right fibula with old posttraumatic status post change of ankle with ossification of tibiofibula syndesmosis (right ankle) and avulsion fracture of the right ulnar styloid with bone chip were granted.
The deciding factor: The Veteran's hearing loss was rated at 70% since May 7, 2020 based on his audiometric results. The other conditions received initial ratings but no higher rating was granted as they did not meet the criteria for a higher rating under the applicable VA rating schedule.
- Claimed conditions
- bilateral hearing loss, degenerative joint disease with malunion of the right fibula with old posttraumatic status post change of ankle with ossification of tibiofibula syndesmosis (right ankle), avulsion fracture of the right ulnar styloid with bone chip (right wrist)
- How they argued it
- Direct service connection
- Exposure basis
- None
- Rating assigned
- 70%
- Decision date
- September 2, 2020
- Citation
- 20058053
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 20058053.
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.
- Dismissed
The Veteran's appeal for service connection of bilateral hearing loss and a ruptured right ear drum was dismissed due to the death of the Veteran.
- Denied
The Board found that the Veteran's bilateral hearing loss was noted upon entry into active duty service and did not increase in severity during service. Therefore, it denied his claim for service connection.
- Remanded (sent back)
The Board has remanded the claims for bilateral hearing loss, migraine headaches, and PTSD due to additional development of records and examination.
- Remanded (sent back)
The Board has decided to remand the case due to insufficient evidence regarding the Veteran's bilateral hearing loss claim, specifically needing an addendum opinion from a VA examiner. The Veteran will be asked to provide any missing records and former employers' information.
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