The Veteran's hearing loss in the right ear is granted as service connection, with a finding that it is at least as likely as not caused by or a result of noise exposure during military service.,The Veteran's pre-existing hearing loss in the left ear is found to have been aggravated by service, and service connection for this condition is granted. The Board notes an increase in severity during service but does not find clear and unmistakable evidence that it was due to natural progression.,Service connection for tinnitus as secondary to bilateral hearing loss is granted.
The deciding factor: The February 2018 VA examination report established a direct nexus between the Veteran's current diagnosis of hearing loss in the right ear and his in-service noise exposure, with no pre-existing disability noted at entry. The increase in severity during service was attributed to acoustic trauma.,The April 2018 VA medical opinion concluded that the Veteran's hearing loss in the left ear existed prior to service but did not find clear and unmistakable evidence of its aggravation beyond normal progression. However, a September 2021 private medical opinion supported the Veteran's claim by noting his unprotected exposure to loud noises during service.,The February 2018 VA examination report established a direct nexus between the Veteran's current diagnosis of tinnitus and his hearing loss in the left ear, which was found to be at least as likely as not caused by or a result of noise exposure during military service.
- Claimed conditions
- Hearing Loss in Right Ear, Hearing Loss in Left Ear, Tinnitus
- How they argued it
- Direct service connection
- Exposure basis
- None
- Rating assigned
- None in this decision
- Decision date
- January 27, 2022
- Citation
- 22004518
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 22004518.
What this means for you
A grant means the Board agreed the veteran was entitled to the benefit. Decisions like this show the kind of evidence and arguments that tend to succeed for claims like it.
What you can do next
Related decisions
Other Board decisions on a similar condition or argued the same way.
- Denied
The Board denied service connection for bilateral hearing loss and tinnitus, finding that the Veteran's current conditions are not related to his military service.
- Denied
The Board denied the veteran's claims for a higher rating for PTSD and dismissed his appeals regarding increased ratings for tinnitus and a right hand disability due to lack of timely filing of Notice of Disagreement.
- Denied
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- Granted
The Veteran's service-connected disabilities, including bilateral pes planus with hammer toes, hallux valgus and degenerative arthritis, sleep apnea, bilateral hearing loss, tinnitus, and bilateral kidney cysts, rendered him unable to secure or follow gainful employment. The Board granted the TDIU based on these conditions.
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