The Board denied service connection for a left ear hearing loss disability, finding that the Veteran did not have continuous symptoms since separation from active duty and there was no evidence of in-service noise exposure causing his current condition.,The Board also denied service connection for degenerative arthritis of the left wrist, concluding that the Veteran's current condition is more likely due to normal aging rather than an in-service injury.
The deciding factor: The September 2016 VA examiner found no evidence of a left ear hearing loss disability during or immediately after service and concluded it was less likely caused by noise exposure. The Board agreed, noting the absence of contemporaneous medical records indicating any such condition.,For the wrist issue, the examiner opined that arthritis is more likely due to normal aging rather than an in-service injury. The Board concurred with this finding.
- Claimed conditions
- Left Ear Hearing Loss Disability, Degenerative Arthritis of Left Wrist
- How they argued it
- Direct service connection
- Exposure basis
- None
- Rating assigned
- None in this decision
- Decision date
- October 26, 2022
- Citation
- 22059989
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 22059989.
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Related decisions
Other Board decisions on a similar condition or argued the same way.
- Partly granted
The Board granted service connection for tinnitus and left ear hearing loss disability, but remanded the issue of a compensable rating for right ear hearing loss. The increased rating claim for IVDS was withdrawn by the Veteran.
- Remanded (sent back)
The Board remands the claims for a right ear hearing loss disability and a left ear hearing loss disability for further development, including obtaining additional VA examination opinions.
- Partly granted
The Veteran's appeal for service connection for obstructive sleep apnea has been dismissed.,Service connection for left ear hearing loss is denied. The Board finds that the evidence does not support a current diagnosis of left ear hearing loss disability.
- Remanded (sent back)
The Veteran's appeal is remanded due to errors in the rating and service connection determinations for his hearing loss disabilities, shoulder pain, and arthritis. The issues of right ear hearing loss disability, bilateral shoulder pain (right), and residual of pain status-post right rotator cuff tear repair are being addressed.
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