The Veteran's appeals for higher ratings for bilateral hearing loss, right and left foot hallux valgus, gynecomastia, and PTSD from March 4, 2021 to December 6, 2022 were denied. The evidence did not meet the criteria for a higher rating in any of these cases.,The Veteran's bilateral hearing loss was rated at zero percent (noncompensable) as there was no exceptional pattern of hearing impairment and his complaints were considered in the assigned noncompensable rating.,For right and left foot hallux valgus, the evidence did not show symptoms or functional impairment more nearly approximating unilateral hallux valgus equivalent to amputation of great toe or unilateral hallux valgus operated with resection of metatarsal head. The Veteran's bilateral pes planus disability already compensated for some of his foot pain and soreness.,For gynecomastia, the evidence did not show either breast underwent mastectomy or wide local excision with significant alteration of size or form. Therefore, a higher rating was denied.,PTSD from March 4, 2021 to December 6, 2022 was rated at 70 percent (staged) and the Veteran did not meet criteria for a higher rating in this period.
The deciding factor: The evidence did not show that the Veteran's bilateral hearing loss met or approximated the criteria for a higher disability rating.,For right and left foot hallux valgus, the symptoms were considered mild to moderate with no surgery performed. The Veteran already had separate ratings for his pes planus which included similar complaints of pain and soreness.,The evidence did not show either breast underwent mastectomy or wide local excision with significant alteration of size or form. Therefore, a higher rating was denied.,PTSD from March 4, 2021 to December 6, 2022 was rated at 70 percent (staged) and the Veteran did not meet criteria for a higher rating in this period.
- Claimed conditions
- bilateral hearing loss, right foot hallux valgus, left foot hallux valgus, gynecomastia, posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD)
- How they argued it
- Direct service connection
- Exposure basis
- None
- Rating
- Not verified here — check the original decision
- Decision date
- November 6, 2024
- Citation
- A24072664
Veterans Law Judge
Decisions by this judge: 2,200 · Granted: 43% (granted or partly granted, in the indexed decisions on this site)
Judge attribution: 2025 complete; earlier years partial.
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 A24072664.
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.
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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 case due to insufficient evidence regarding the Veteran's acquired psychiatric disorders, including bipolar disorder and PTSD. The Veteran will be asked to provide additional medical records and undergo a VA examination.
- Whole decision: Remanded (sent back)
The Veteran's claim for service connection for an acquired psychiatric disorder, including PTSD and major depressive disorder, is being remanded due to the need for additional development regarding his alleged stressors.
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