The Veteran's claim for service connection for bilateral hearing loss is denied as there is no evidence of a current disability.,The Veteran's left knee DJD (flexion) and limitation of extension are rated at the maximum allowable under VA regulations, with no further increase in evaluation possible based on the objective test results provided.,The Veteran's left knee instability is currently rated at 20 percent, which is the highest rating available for this condition. The claim is remanded as new evidence may warrant a higher rating.,A separate 20 percent evaluation has been granted for dislocated cartilage with frequent episodes of 'locking', pain, and effusion into the joint, based on the Veteran's symptoms and medical history.,The right knee sprain and right shoulder stretched ligaments/torn tendons s/p surgery claims are also remanded as new evidence may warrant a different outcome.
The deciding factor: The objective test results do not meet the criteria for hearing loss under VA regulations, and the Veteran's left knee DJD (flexion) and limitation of extension are rated at their maximum allowable levels based on the current medical evidence. The claim for instability is remanded as new evidence may warrant a higher rating.
- Claimed conditions
- bilateral hearing loss, degenerative joint disease of the left knee (flexion), left knee limitation of extension, left knee instability, dislocated cartilage with frequent episodes of 'locking', pain, and effusion into the joint
- How they argued it
- Direct service connection
- Exposure basis
- None
- Rating assigned
- None in this decision
- Decision date
- December 23, 2021
- Citation
- A21020482
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 A21020482.
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.
- 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.
Free starter guide for your own claim
Reading this because you were denied or under-rated? Get the plain-English next steps — your appeal options, the deadline that protects you, and how appeals like yours turn out. One email, no spam.
We will only use this to send the guide. No spam, unsubscribe any time. We never sell your information.
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.