The Veteran's service connection claims for bilateral hearing loss and tinnitus have been granted. The ratings for degenerative disc disease of the lumbar spine with IVDS and right lower extremity radiculopathy were restored to 20% each, but the rating for the lumbar spine was reduced from 20% to 10%. The appeal for a higher rating for these conditions remains pending.
The deciding factor: The evidence supported the Veteran's claims of service connection for bilateral hearing loss and tinnitus. For the reduction in ratings, the Board found that there was no actual improvement in the Veteran's ability to function under ordinary conditions of life and work, as required by VA regulations.
- Claimed conditions
- Bilateral Hearing Loss, Tinnitus, Degenerative Disc Disease of the Lumbar Spine with IVDS (Intervertebral Disc Syndrome), Radiculopathy of the Right Lower Extremity
- How they argued it
- Direct service connection
- Exposure basis
- None
- Rating assigned
- 10%
- Decision date
- June 24, 2022
- Citation
- 22036687
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 22036687.
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.
- 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.
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