The Veteran's claim for a compensable rating for bilateral hearing loss is denied. The initial disability rating of 20 percent for left hand peripheral neuropathy prior to June 16, 2022, and the subsequent increase to 20 percent thereafter is granted. However, the issue of service connection for various conditions including lung disability, sleep apnea, hypertension, erectile dysfunction, Pseudofolliculitis Barbae (PFB), and Temporary Total Evaluation due to treatment for a service-connected condition requiring convalescence remains pending.
The deciding factor: The evidence does not support the assignment of higher ratings based on the severity of the Veteran's hearing loss or left hand peripheral neuropathy, as it is primarily characterized by varying levels of impairment in motor functions and sensory disturbance. The Board found that the disability was most analogous to moderate incomplete paralysis for the entire period on appeal.
- Claimed conditions
- Bilateral Hearing Loss, Peripheral Neuropathy of Left Hand
- How they argued it
- Not specified
- Exposure basis
- None
- Rating
- Not verified here — check the original decision
- Decision date
- May 4, 2023
- Citation
- 23025915
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. Read the original VA decision (opens in a new tab) using citation 23025915.
What this means for you
A remand sends an issue back for more development, often a new examination or missing records. It does not award the benefit or decide the final outcome. The original decision explains the additional work ordered.
What you can do next
Use your own notice and decision stage. A remanded issue is not a final court-appealable denial. VA review guidance and CAVC filing instructions (U.S. federal; reviewed October 7, 2026).
Related decisions
Other Board decisions on a similar condition or argued the same way.
- Whole decision: 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.
- Whole decision: 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.
- Whole decision: 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.
- Whole decision: Denied
The Board denied the Veteran's claim for service connection for bilateral hearing loss, finding that there was no evidence of a nexus between his current hearing loss and his active service. The Board noted that while he had complaints of earaches in service, these did not indicate a current disability.
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