The Veteran's claims for service connection for bilateral hearing loss, increased ratings for lumbar spine DDD, and initial ratings for LUE and RUE thoracic outlet syndrome were denied. The Veteran's claim for an increased rating for his lumbar spine DDD was partially granted with a 10 percent rating prior to March 31, 2021 and a 20 percent rating from that date onwards. His claims for initial ratings of LUE and RUE thoracic outlet syndrome were also granted but at the same time denied for increased ratings after March 31, 2021.
The deciding factor: The Veteran did not meet the criteria for service connection for bilateral hearing loss due to lack of a current disability. His lumbar spine DDD was rated based on its severity and function, with no incapacitating episodes noted. The initial ratings for LUE and RUE thoracic outlet syndrome were granted but denied for increased ratings after March 31, 2021.
- Claimed conditions
- bilateral hearing loss, lumbar spine degenerative disc disease (DDD), left upper extremity thoracic outlet syndrome, right upper extremity thoracic outlet syndrome
- How they argued it
- Direct service connection
- Exposure basis
- None
- Rating assigned
- None in this decision
- Decision date
- November 17, 2021
- Citation
- 21069201
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 21069201.
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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