The Veteran's bilateral hearing loss is rated as noncompensable (zero percent) due to the severity of his symptoms not meeting criteria for a higher rating.,The Veteran’s lumbar spine strain is currently rated at 10 percent, and no higher. The updated VA examinations did not show any additional impairment warranting a higher rating.,Left knee limitation of flexion is rated as noncompensable (zero percent).,Right knee limitation of flexion is rated as noncompensable (zero percent).,Left knee limitation of extension is rated at 10 percent.
The deciding factor: The Veteran's hearing loss does not meet the criteria for a higher rating under the applicable VA Rating Schedule, and his symptoms do not warrant an increase in disability ratings.,The updated VA examinations did not show any additional impairment to the Veteran’s lumbar spine strain that would justify a higher rating. The current 10 percent rating adequately reflects the severity of his condition.,Left knee limitation of flexion is rated as noncompensable (zero percent) due to lack of evidence showing more than the minimum compensable disability.,Right knee limitation of flexion is rated as noncompensable (zero percent) due to lack of evidence showing more than the minimum compensable disability.,Left knee limitation of extension is rated at 10 percent based on the severity of his condition, which does not meet criteria for a higher rating.
- Claimed conditions
- bilateral hearing loss, lumbar spine strain, left knee patellofemoral pain syndrome, right knee patellofemoral pain syndrome, left knee limitation of extension
- How they argued it
- Direct service connection
- Exposure basis
- None
- Rating assigned
- None in this decision
- Decision date
- February 25, 2021
- Citation
- 21010747
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 21010747.
What this means for you
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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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