The Veteran's claim for a higher rating for bilateral hearing loss prior to March 22, 2021 and a higher rating thereafter was denied. The claim for TDIU was also denied as the evidence did not show that he was unable to secure or follow substantially gainful employment due to his service-connected disabilities.
The deciding factor: The Veteran's bilateral hearing loss manifested at levels I and V, which do not meet the criteria for a compensable rating under VA regulations. The TDIU claim was denied as the evidence did not show that he was unable to secure or follow substantially gainful employment due to his service-connected disabilities.
- Claimed conditions
- bilateral hearing loss, PTSD, tinnitus
- How they argued it
- Direct service connection
- Exposure basis
- None
- Rating assigned
- 10%
- Decision date
- February 6, 2023
- Citation
- 23007543
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 23007543.
What this means for you
A denial is a starting point, not the end of the road. You can see why this claim fell short — and, if you are still inside the one-year window, the appeal lanes that may remain open to you.
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.
- Granted
The Board of Veterans' Appeals has granted service connection for PTSD and Mood Disorders, both presumed conditions under the PACT Act.
- 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 service connection for hearing loss, tinnitus, and an acquired psychiatric disorder due to incomplete medical records and need for further examination.
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