The Board denied the Veteran's appeal for a higher disability rating for his service-connected bilateral hearing loss, as the evidence did not support a rating in excess of 20 percent prior to August 16, 2023, and in excess of 80 percent thereafter.

The deciding factor: The June 2016 VA examination results showed average pure tone thresholds and speech discrimination scores that equated to a 20 percent disability rating under the applicable criteria. An exceptional pattern of hearing impairment was not shown, and there were no other factors that would warrant a higher rating.

Claimed conditions

Bilateral hearing loss

How they argued it

Direct service connection

Exposure basis

None

Rating assigned

None in this decision

Decision date

March 10, 2025

Citation

25003319

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