The Veteran's right ear hearing loss and cervical spine degenerative disc disease were granted service connection. However, the increased ratings for his cervical spine disability prior to January 25, 2020, are granted with a 20% rating, while those from that date onwards are denied. The Veteran's radiculopathy issues remain under review.
The deciding factor: The VA examiner found no evidence of ankylosis or incapacitating episodes of intervertebral disc syndrome in the period prior to January 25, 2020, which is why a higher rating was not granted. In the period after that date, the Veteran's symptoms were described as causing pain and weakness but without significant functional loss.
- Claimed conditions
- Right ear hearing loss, Cervical spine degenerative disc disease
- How they argued it
- Direct service connection
- Exposure basis
- None
- Rating assigned
- 20%
- Decision date
- April 12, 2021
- Citation
- 21021173
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 21021173.
What this means for you
A partial grant means some issues were granted while others were denied or remanded — common in multi-issue claims. Look at which issues went which way, and how each was argued.
What you can do next
Related decisions
Other Board decisions on a similar condition or argued the same way.
- Remanded (sent back)
The Board has remanded the claims for further development due to insufficient evidence and need for additional examinations.
- Dismissed
The appeal for service connection for a right ear hearing loss disability is dismissed. The appeal for service connection for bilateral knee disabilities is denied.
- Remanded (sent back)
The Board has remanded the Veteran's claims for a compensable rating for right ear hearing loss and service connection for left ear hearing loss due to inadequate audiometric examinations. The Veteran will be scheduled for new VA examinations to determine the nature and etiology of his left ear hearing loss and the severity of his hearing loss.
- Granted
The Board has granted service connection for cervical spine degenerative disc disease, lumbar spine degenerative disc disease, left lower extremity radiculopathy, and right lower extremity radiculopathy. Service connection was denied for a groin condition.
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