The Veteran's claims for increased ratings were denied. The hearing loss claim was denied as the evidence did not show a compensable rating prior to September 8, 2021 and higher than 10 percent thereafter. The gunshot wound to the left shoulder muscle group IV claim was also denied as there was no evidence of a rating higher than 20 percent prior to August 25, 2021. A separate 20 percent rating for residuals of gunshot wound to the left shoulder muscle group III was granted effective December 6, 2016.
The deciding factor: The medical evidence did not show that the Veteran's hearing loss or gunshot wound to the left shoulder muscle group IV warranted a higher than the assigned ratings based on the VA examination results and service department records.
- Claimed conditions
- Bilateral Hearing Loss, Residuals of Gunshot Wound to the Left Shoulder Muscle Group IV
- How they argued it
- Direct service connection
- Exposure basis
- None
- Rating assigned
- None in this decision
- Decision date
- January 14, 2022
- Citation
- 22002178
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 22002178.
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.
- Granted
The Veteran's bilateral hearing loss is granted as service-connected. The claims for alcohol abuse and psychiatric disorder are remanded for additional development, including a VA examination to determine the nature and etiology of these conditions.
- Remanded (sent back)
The Board has decided to remand the case due to a need for a new VA examination to assess the current severity of the Veteran's bilateral hearing loss. The issue remains under direct service connection theory.
- Denied
The Veteran's hearing loss was rated at 30 percent, the highest non-compensable rating available. The Board found that his hearing loss did not warrant a higher rating based on VA examinations and medical records.
- Denied
The Board denied the Veteran's claim for service connection for bilateral hearing loss, finding that there was no evidence of a nexus between his current hearing loss and his active service. The Board noted that while he had complaints of earaches in service, these did not indicate a current disability.
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