The Veteran's claim for service connection for bilateral hearing loss has been denied as there is no current diagnosis of a disability that meets the criteria for a hearing loss disability in accordance with VA standards.,The Veteran's claim for an initial rating in excess of 10 percent for tinnitus has also been denied, as his tinnitus already receives the maximum schedular rating available under VA regulations.
The deciding factor: There is no current diagnosis of a hearing loss disability that meets the criteria for a hearing loss disability in accordance with VA standards.,The Veteran's tinnitus does not have manifestations or cause impairment not encompassed by the schedular criteria, and referral for extraschedular consideration is not warranted.
- Claimed conditions
- Bilateral Hearing Loss, Tinnitus, Fatigue Disorder, Acquired Psychiatric Disorder, Thoracolumbar Spine (Low Back) Disorder
- How they argued it
- Not specified
- Exposure basis
- None
- Rating assigned
- None in this decision
- Decision date
- September 6, 2023
- Citation
- 23049069
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 23049069.
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.
- Denied
The Board denied the Veteran's claims for service connection for PTSD and any acquired psychiatric disorder, finding that there was no evidence to support a link between his current mental health conditions and his military service.
- Denied
The Board denied service connection for bilateral hearing loss and tinnitus, finding that the Veteran's current conditions are not related to his military service.
- 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.
Free starter guide for your own claim
Reading this because you were denied or under-rated? Get the plain-English next steps — your appeal options, the deadline that protects you, and how appeals like yours turn out. One email, no spam.
We will only use this to send the guide. No spam, unsubscribe any time. We never sell your information.
We are not the VA. Veterans’ Rights is an independent resource built for veterans. We are not the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs, not part of the government, and not endorsed by any government agency.
This is general information, not legal advice. For advice about your own situation, talk to a VA-accredited representative — many help for free.