The Board denied service connection for bilateral sensorineural hearing loss but granted a 20% initial rating for lumbosacral strain, while denying higher ratings for right hip and hand disabilities.
The deciding factor: The Veteran's reported pain during overexertion more nearly approximated forward flexion greater than 30 degrees but not greater than 60 degrees, warranting a 20% rating. However, there was no evidence of a compensable disability for the right hip and hand conditions.
- Claimed conditions
- Bilateral sensorineural hearing loss, Lumbosacral strain, Right hip strain, Residuals of displaced fracture, fifth metacarpal bone, right hand
- How they argued it
- Direct service connection
- Exposure basis
- None
- Rating assigned
- 20%
- Decision date
- April 16, 2025
- Citation
- A25035021
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.
- Remanded (sent back)
The Board remands the Veteran's claims for additional VA examinations to properly evaluate the current severity of her disabilities.
- Dismissed
The appeal is dismissed due to res judicata, as the issues were previously adjudicated and are now barred from further review.
- Denied
The Board denied an earlier effective date for the grant of service connection for bilateral sensorineural hearing loss, finding that the Veteran's most recent claim was filed on May 23, 2017.
- Dismissed
The appeal was dismissed due to untimely filing of the Notice of Disagreement (NOD) for claims related to an increased rating and service connection, as well as lack of jurisdiction over a previously granted claim for sinusitis.
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.