The appeal for service connection for bilateral hearing loss was dismissed, and the Veteran's rating for chronic left ankle sprain was denied. However, a separate 10 percent rating for instability of the left ankle was granted.
The deciding factor: The decision was based on the lack of timely notice of disagreement regarding the February 2019 rating decision that confirmed the previous denial of service connection for bilateral hearing loss and the evidence not demonstrating marked limitation of ankle motion for a higher rating.
- Claimed conditions
- bilateral hearing loss, chronic left ankle sprain, instability of the left ankle, right ankle disability, shortness of breath
- How they argued it
- Direct service connection
- Exposure basis
- None
- Rating assigned
- 10%
- Decision date
- March 24, 2025
- Citation
- A25027025
What this means for you
A partial grant means some issues were granted while others were denied or remanded — common in multi-issue claims. Look at which issues went which way, and how each was argued.
What you can do next
Related decisions
Other Board decisions on a similar condition or argued the same way.
- Dismissed
The Veteran withdrew the appeals for service connection for bilateral pes planus, obstructive sleep apnea, bilateral hearing loss, tinnitus, and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD).
- Denied
The Board denied service connection for multiple conditions, including bilateral hearing loss and various musculoskeletal issues, as well as an initial rating in excess of 0 percent for rhinitis. However, the Board granted a 70 percent rating for posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD).
- Partly granted
The Veteran's tinnitus is granted, while fibromyalgia, internal or external hemorrhoids, bilateral hearing loss, and neuropathy are denied.
- Granted
The Board granted service connection for bilateral hearing loss, finding it at least as likely as not related to the Veteran's in-service noise exposure.
We are not the VA. Veterans’ Rights is an independent resource built for veterans. We are not the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs, not part of the government, and not endorsed by any government agency.
This is general information, not legal advice. For advice about your own situation, talk to a VA-accredited representative — many help for free.