The Veteran's hearing loss does not meet the threshold for a disability rating. For migraine headaches, he is granted a 30% rating prior to August 30, 2018 and denied any higher rating thereafter. For bilateral plantar fasciitis, he is granted a 30% rating prior to June 2, 2017 and a 50% rating starting from that date.
The deciding factor: The Veteran's hearing loss does not meet the VA definition of disability due to insufficient auditory threshold levels. For migraine headaches, the evidence shows frequent but non-prostrating attacks. For bilateral plantar fasciitis, the evidence prior to June 2, 2017 showed moderate symptoms relieved by orthotics; since then, severe symptoms persisting despite orthotic use.
- Claimed conditions
- Hearing Loss, Migraine Headaches, Bilateral Plantar Fasciitis
- How they argued it
- Direct service connection
- Exposure basis
- None
- Rating assigned
- 30%
- Decision date
- October 13, 2020
- Citation
- 20065998
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.
- Partly granted
The Board denied an increased disability evaluation for PTSD but granted an earlier effective date for TDIU of August 6, 2012.
- Dismissed
The Veteran withdrew the appeal in September 2025, stating that she is now 100% permanently and totally disabled effective April 29, 2025.
- Partly granted
The Board granted service connection for thoracolumbar spine disorder and cervical pain but denied service connection for bilateral hearing loss. The Board also granted ratings of 10 percent or 20 percent for several conditions from specific dates.
- Granted
The Board granted service connection for an acquired psychiatric disorder, residuals of traumatic brain injury (TBI), and multiple musculoskeletal conditions but denied service connection for bilateral hearing loss.
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