The Veteran's bilateral hearing loss is currently rated as noncompensable, with no evidence of increased severity.,Service connection for chronic bronchitis has been granted based on presumed exposure to burn pits and other toxins (BPOT).,Service connection for restrictive lung disease/restrictive spirometry pattern was denied due to lack of a clear etiology related to service.,Service connection for an undiagnosed illness manifested by right wrist pain is granted, with the condition being presumed based on BPOT exposure.,Service connection for an undiagnosed illness manifested by right ankle pain is granted, with the condition also presumed based on BPOT exposure.
The deciding factor: The Veteran's hearing loss has been consistently rated as level I in both ears, resulting in a noncompensable rating. The evidence does not support an increase in disability severity.,Service connection for chronic bronchitis is granted due to presumed exposure to BPOT and fine particulate matter during service. The Veteran reported respiratory issues during post-deployment health assessments.,The restrictive lung disease/restrictive spirometry pattern was denied as there was no clear etiology related to service, with the condition being secondary to degenerative changes of the thoracic spine rather than toxic exposure risk activities (TERAs).,Service connection for an undiagnosed illness manifested by right wrist pain is granted based on presumed BPOT exposure. The Veteran reported symptoms consistent with this condition.,Service connection for an undiagnosed illness manifested by right ankle pain is granted based on presumed BPOT exposure. The Veteran reported symptoms consistent with this condition.
- Claimed conditions
- bilateral hearing loss, chronic bronchitis, restrictive lung disease/restrictive spirometry pattern, undiagnosed illness manifested by right wrist pain, undiagnosed illness manifested by right ankle pain
- How they argued it
- Presumptive (no nexus needed)
- Exposure basis
- Burn pits / airborne hazards
- Rating assigned
- None in this decision
- Decision date
- February 23, 2024
- Citation
- 24009067
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 24009067.
What this means for you
A grant means the Board agreed the veteran was entitled to the benefit. Decisions like this show the kind of evidence and arguments that tend to succeed for claims like it.
What you can do next
Related decisions
Other Board decisions on a similar condition or argued the same way.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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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