The Board denied service connection for right ear hearing loss due to the lack of evidence showing a current disability at a level qualifying as a VA compensation disability. The claims for service connection for cervical spine, left shoulder, low back, left hip, right and left knee, and right and left ankle disabilities were remanded for further development.
The deciding factor: The Board found no evidence of current right ear hearing loss meeting the criteria for VA compensation purposes. For other conditions, a VA examination was required due to missing service treatment records and the need to develop the claim with additional evidence.
- Claimed conditions
- right ear hearing loss, cervical spine disability, left shoulder disability, low back disability, left hip disability, right knee disability, left knee disability, right ankle disability, left ankle disability
- How they argued it
- Direct service connection
- Exposure basis
- None
- Rating assigned
- None in this decision
- Decision date
- April 8, 2025
- Citation
- A25032291
What this means for you
A denial is a starting point, not the end of the road. You can see why this claim fell short — and, if you are still inside the one-year window, the appeal lanes that may remain open to you.
What you can do next
Related decisions
Other Board decisions on a similar condition or argued the same way.
- Dismissed
The appeal for a compensable rating for left ear hearing loss, service connection for right ear hearing loss, and bilateral vision condition was dismissed. Service connection for hypertension, congestive heart failure, and coronary artery disease was denied.
- Denied
The Board denied service connection for tinnitus, cubital tunnel syndrome, right plantar fasciitis, and a right knee disability due to the lack of evidence supporting a nexus between these conditions and the Veteran's military service.
- 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).
- Remanded (sent back)
The Board remands the claims for service connection for various disabilities to the AOJ for further development and consideration of evidence not previously considered.
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