The Veteran's claim for a compensable rating for bilateral hearing loss is denied.,The Veteran's claim for an increased rating in excess of 0 percent prior to August 2, 2018, and in excess of 10 percent thereafter for his corneal scars and right eye traumatic cataract is denied. The Veteran was granted a 10% rating effective from August 2, 2018.,The Veteran's claim for TDIU prior to March 21, 2013 is denied as he did not meet the disability rating percentage threshold.
The deciding factor: There was no evidence of hearing loss that would warrant a compensable evaluation under VA criteria.,The Veteran’s eye disabilities were rated based on visual impairment and there were no incapacitating episodes. The Veteran's current visual acuity did not meet the criteria for a higher rating.,Prior to March 21, 2013, the Veteran had only service-connected corneal scars (0%) and traumatic cataract of the right eye secondary to corneal scars (0%), which did not meet the disability rating percentage threshold.
- Claimed conditions
- bilateral hearing loss, corneal scars, right eye traumatic cataract
- How they argued it
- Direct service connection
- Exposure basis
- None
- Rating assigned
- None in this decision
- Decision date
- November 5, 2020
- Citation
- 20071786
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 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 multiple conditions, including bilateral hearing loss and various musculoskeletal issues, as well as an initial rating in excess of 0 percent for rhinitis. However, the Board granted a 70 percent rating for posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD).
- Partly granted
The Veteran's tinnitus is granted, while fibromyalgia, internal or external hemorrhoids, bilateral hearing loss, and neuropathy are denied.
- Granted
The Board granted service connection for bilateral hearing loss, finding it at least as likely as not related to the Veteran's in-service noise exposure.
We are not the VA. Veterans’ Rights is an independent resource built for veterans. We are not the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs, not part of the government, and not endorsed by any government agency.
This is general information, not legal advice. For advice about your own situation, talk to a VA-accredited representative — many help for free.