The Veteran's bilateral hearing loss disability is rated as noncompensable.,The Veteran's left inguinal hernia is currently rated as noncompensable. The Board finds that a compensable rating is not warranted under the current criteria.,The Veteran's left inguinal hernia scar is rated as 10 percent due to pain, but no higher.
The deciding factor: The evidence does not show an exceptional pattern of hearing impairment or any other condition that would warrant a compensable rating for bilateral hearing loss. The Veteran's main complaint is reduced hearing acuity and clarity, which is already reflected in the current noncompensable rating.,Under both pre- and post-amended criteria under DC 7338, a compensable rating is not warranted as the Veteran does not have an irreparable hernia that has persisted for 12 months or more. The evidence indicates that the Veteran's hernia was repaired and is asymptomatic.,The Veteran's left inguinal hernia scar is rated as 10 percent due to pain, but no higher because it does not meet the criteria for a rating in excess of 10 percent under Diagnostic Code 7804.
- Claimed conditions
- bilateral hearing loss, left inguinal hernia
- How they argued it
- Direct service connection
- Exposure basis
- None
- Rating assigned
- None in this decision
- Decision date
- December 11, 2024
- Citation
- A24082352
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 A24082352.
What this means for you
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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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