The Veteran's service connection claims for bilateral hearing loss, left index finger disability, eye disability (flash burn in eyes), low back disability, and right shoulder disability are all denied. The AOJ is directed to provide VA examinations or obtain additional medical opinions regarding these claims.,The Veteran's service connection claim for a left index finger disability remains pending as the AOJ has not provided a VA examination.
The deciding factor: The evidence does not support the presence of current disabilities for VA purposes, and there is no credible evidence linking any claimed conditions to service. The Veteran did not have a confirmed diagnosis of hearing loss or left index finger disability during service or at any time since then.,There are insufficient medical records to establish a link between the Veteran's current complaints of left index finger pain and his service as there were no in-service events, injuries, or disease symptoms manifesting within a presumptive period. The AOJ is directed to provide a VA examination to determine if an eye disability (flash burn) occurred during service.,The Veteran reported continued back pain since service but the STRs are negative for complaints, treatment, or diagnosis of a low back condition. An additional VA examination is needed to assess whether the Veteran's reported back pain results in any functional impairment and whether that impairment is associated with his active service.,The Veteran reported continued right shoulder pain since service but the STRs show he sought treatment for a shoulder condition. The AOJ is directed to provide a VA examination to determine if there is a link between the Veteran's current right shoulder disability and his service.
- Claimed conditions
- Bilateral Hearing Loss, Left Index Finger Disability, Eye Disability (Flash Burn in Eyes), Low Back Disability, Right Shoulder Disability
- How they argued it
- Direct service connection
- Exposure basis
- None
- Rating
- Not verified here — check the original decision
- Decision date
- November 9, 2023
- Citation
- A23031695
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 A23031695.
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
Related decisions
Other Board decisions on a similar condition or argued the same way.
- 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.
- 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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