The Veteran's claim for an initial compensable rating for bilateral hearing loss and entitlement to a total disability rating based on individual unemployability (TDIU) due to service-connected disabilities were both denied. The Board found that the Veteran’s current hearing impairment did not meet the criteria for a higher rating under VA's rating schedule, and his TDIU claim was also denied as his combined service-connected disability rating does not meet the requirements for extraschedular consideration.
The deciding factor: The Veteran's bilateral hearing loss is rated at 10% under DC 6100, which is considered inadequate to describe the severity of his condition. The Board found that the current schedular criteria are adequate and did not warrant an extraschedular rating based on collective impact of multiple service-connected disabilities.
- 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 14, 2020
- Citation
- 20066579
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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