The rating reduction of the Veteran's bilateral hearing loss from 30 percent to 10 percent was not proper, and therefore, the 30 percent rating is restored.,From March 6, 2018, the criteria for an initial rating of 100 percent for aortic aneurysm associated with high cholesterol have been met.,From March 6, 2018, the Veteran's unspecified anxiety disorder more nearly approximated occupational and social impairment with deficiencies in most areas.,The Veteran is entitled to an effective date prior to September 14, 2021 for a 100 percent rating for his heart disability due to service connection being granted within one year of the initial grant of service connection.,An earlier effective date of March 6, 2018 for SMC based on need for regular aid and attendance is granted.
The deciding factor: The reduction in rating was not supported by evidence showing improvement under ordinary conditions of life and work.,The aortic aneurysm associated with high cholesterol more nearly approximated five centimeters or larger in diameter and symptomatic, warranting the higher rating.,The anxiety disorder more nearly approximated occupational and social impairment with deficiencies in most areas.,Service connection for heart disability was granted within one year of initial grant of service connection, allowing for an earlier effective date.,The Veteran is entitled to SMC based on need for regular aid and attendance due to his service-connected disabilities.
- Claimed conditions
- bilateral hearing loss, aortic aneurysm associated with high cholesterol, unspecified anxiety disorder, heart disability (presumed due to aortic aneurysm), service-connected erectile dysfunction and sinusitis
- How they argued it
- Not specified
- Exposure basis
- None
- Rating assigned
- 10%
- Decision date
- November 1, 2022
- Citation
- A22022004
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 A22022004.
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.
- 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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