The Veteran's increased ratings for left forearm condition and left ulnar neuropathy are granted, while the initial compensable rating for left elbow scar and bilateral hearing loss is denied. The appeal regarding service connection for residuals of lip/facial cancer, right hip condition, right lower extremity neuropathy, and effective date earlier than October 11, 2018 for TDIU is remanded.
The deciding factor: The Veteran's left forearm condition was found to have ankylosis with loss of supination, warranting a 50% rating. The left ulnar neuropathy was rated at 20%, as it met the criteria for moderate incomplete paralysis. The left elbow scar did not meet the criteria for a compensable rating due to lack of instability or pain. The bilateral hearing loss did not meet the criteria for any disability rating.
- Claimed conditions
- Left forearm condition, Left ulnar neuropathy, Left elbow scar, Bilateral hearing loss
- How they argued it
- Direct service connection
- Exposure basis
- None
- Rating assigned
- 50%
- Decision date
- March 21, 2022
- Citation
- 22016089
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 22016089.
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.
- Granted
The Veteran's claim for a low back disorder was reopened, and his claims for increased ratings of bilateral knee instability were granted. His hearing loss claim was denied.
- Remanded (sent back)
The Veteran's appeals of the initial ratings for his service-connected chronic cough and bilateral hearing loss are remanded due to procedural errors in the evidentiary record.
- 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.
- Denied
The Veteran's service-connected disabilities (bilateral hearing loss and tinnitus) do not prevent him from securing and maintaining substantially gainful employment.
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