The Board denied service connection for bilateral hearing loss disability and a rating higher than 20 percent for left lumbar radiculopathy, as there was no evidence of current disabilities meeting VA's definition of a hearing loss or moderate incomplete paralysis of the sciatic nerve.
The deciding factor: The lack of objective clinical findings and audiometric testing results that meet the criteria for a hearing loss disability for VA purposes, combined with the Veteran's failure to report for scheduled examinations without good cause, led to the denial of service connection. For the lumbar radiculopathy, the evidence did not show symptoms indicative of moderately severe incomplete paralysis.
- Claimed conditions
- Bilateral hearing loss disability, Left lumbar radiculopathy, Left shoulder disability
- How they argued it
- Direct service connection
- Exposure basis
- None
- Rating assigned
- None in this decision
- Decision date
- January 24, 2024
- Citation
- 24003541
What this means for you
A denial is a starting point, not the end of the road. You can see why this claim fell short — and, if you are still inside the one-year window, the appeal lanes that may remain open to you.
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 appeal for increased ratings for right and left shoulder disabilities, as the evidence did not support a higher rating under applicable criteria.
- Dismissed
The Board dismissed the Veteran's appeals for service connection for bilateral hearing loss disability and tinnitus due to a lack of jurisdiction.
- Denied
The Board denied service connection for a bilateral hearing loss disability as the evidence did not support a nexus between the disability and service.
- Granted
The Board granted a 10 percent disability rating for osteoarthritis of the right hand and service connection for a left shoulder disability.
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