The Veteran's claim for service connection for bilateral hearing loss is denied as he does not have a disabling level of bilateral hearing loss. The Board also finds that the need for regular aid and attendance due to his service-connected schizophrenia has been established, allowing him to receive SMC at the housebound rate. As his TDIU was moot due to the 100% rating for schizophrenia and concurrent SMC, there are no allegations of errors of fact or law remaining.
The deciding factor: The Veteran's bilateral hearing loss did not meet VA regulatory criteria for a disability as defined by 38 C.F.R. § 3.385. His service-connected schizophrenia rendered him in need of regular aid and attendance due to his inability to manage financial affairs, perform ADLs, and handle daily tasks.
- Claimed conditions
- bilateral hearing loss, schizophrenia
- How they argued it
- Direct service connection
- Exposure basis
- None
- Rating
- Not verified here — check the original decision
- Decision date
- September 21, 2023
- Citation
- 23052306
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 23052306.
What this means for you
A final Board denial may be appealed to the U.S. Court of Appeals for Veterans Claims, generally within 120 days of the Board mailing date. A Supplemental Claim with new and relevant evidence is a separate option. Another Higher-Level Review of the Board decision is not available. Check your own notice: this historical decision does not set your deadline.
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: 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.
- Whole decision: 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.
- Whole decision: Remanded (sent back)
The Board has remanded the claims for bilateral hearing loss, migraine headaches, and PTSD due to additional development of records and examination.
- Whole decision: Remanded (sent back)
The Board has decided to remand the case due to insufficient evidence regarding the Veteran's bilateral hearing loss claim, specifically needing an addendum opinion from a VA examiner. The Veteran will be asked to provide any missing records and former employers' information.
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