The Board has determined that the Veteran's left ear hearing loss and respiratory condition, including COPD due to asbestos exposure, are related to service. The VA examinations provided were inadequate and further development is needed.
The deciding factor: The VA examiners did not adequately address all relevant evidence and legal criteria in their opinions regarding the etiology of the Veteran's conditions.
- Claimed conditions
- left ear sensorineural hearing loss, respiratory condition, to include COPD due to asbestos exposure
- How they argued it
- Direct service connection
- Exposure basis
- None
- Rating assigned
- None in this decision
- Decision date
- March 21, 2023
- Citation
- 23017617
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 23017617.
What this means for you
A remand is not a loss. The Board sent the case back for more development — often a new exam or missing records — before making a final decision. Many remands later end in a grant, and the decision spells out exactly what the Board wanted to see.
What you can do next
Related decisions
Other Board decisions on a similar condition or argued the same way.
- Granted
The Veteran's left ear sensorineural hearing loss, tinnitus, and right ear hearing loss have been granted as service-connected. However, the Veteran's right ear hearing loss is not service-connected.
- Remanded (sent back)
The Board has remanded the cases for additional examinations and opinions to determine the nature and likely etiology of the Veteran's disabilities, including his pancreatic disorders and left ear sensorineural hearing loss disorder. The Veteran is presumed to have service connection for bilateral tinnitus.
- Granted
The Veteran's service-connected conditions have caused him to be in need of regular aid and attendance, which has been granted for special monthly compensation (SMC).
- Dismissed
The appeal for service connection for PTSD has been dismissed. Service connection for left ear sensorineural hearing loss is granted, but the claim for right ear sensorineural hearing loss is remanded.
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