The Veteran's bilateral hearing loss is currently rated as noncompensable, with no more than Level I in the right ear and no worse than Level II in the left ear.,The Veteran's diabetes mellitus with erectile dysfunction is currently rated as 20 percent disabling. The Board found that the Veteran required only restricted diet and an oral glycemic agent during the period on appeal.,Prior to March 6, 2015, the Veteran's right lower extremity peripheral neuropathy was manifested by no more than mild incomplete paralysis (10% rating). Beginning March 6, 2015, it is now rated as 20% disabling for moderate incomplete paralysis.,Prior to March 6, 2015, the Veteran's left lower extremity peripheral neuropathy was manifested by no more than mild incomplete paralysis (10% rating). Beginning March 6, 2015, it is now rated as 20% disabling for moderate incomplete paralysis.
The deciding factor: The evidence does not support a higher disability rating for the Veteran's bilateral hearing loss due to the mechanical application of the rating schedule based on audiometric testing results.,The medical evidence shows that the Veteran's diabetes mellitus required only restricted diet and an oral glycemic agent, which is consistent with the current 20% rating. The Board found no need for daily insulin injections or regulation of activities.,The October 2021 VA examination confirmed that the Veteran's right lower extremity peripheral neuropathy was manifested by moderate incomplete paralysis (20% rating) prior to March 6, 2015, and remains so after that date. The Board found no need for a higher rating based on more severe symptoms.,The October 2021 VA examination confirmed that the Veteran's left lower extremity peripheral neuropathy was manifested by moderate incomplete paralysis (20% rating) prior to March 6, 2015, and remains so after that date. The Board found no need for a higher rating based on more severe symptoms.
- Claimed conditions
- bilateral hearing loss, diabetes mellitus with erectile dysfunction, right lower extremity peripheral neuropathy, left lower extremity peripheral neuropathy
- How they argued it
- Direct service connection
- Exposure basis
- None
- Rating assigned
- None in this decision
- Decision date
- May 11, 2022
- Citation
- 22028034
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 22028034.
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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