The Veteran's initial claims for bilateral hearing loss and rhinitis were denied as they do not meet the criteria for a compensable rating.,Service connection was denied for traumatic brain injury, tuberculosis, umbilical hernia, an acquired psychiatric disorder (to include major depressive disorder), and a right eye disability.
The deciding factor: The Veteran's bilateral hearing loss did not result in any level of impairment that would warrant a compensable rating under the applicable VA criteria.,His rhinitis was diagnosed as allergic without polyps, with no greater than 50% obstruction on both sides. The examiner concluded it did not impact his ability to work.
- Claimed conditions
- Bilateral Hearing Loss, Rhinitis, Traumatic Brain Injury, Tuberculosis, Umbilical Hernia, Acquired Psychiatric Disorder (to include Major Depressive Disorder), Right Eye Disability
- How they argued it
- Direct service connection
- Exposure basis
- None
- Rating assigned
- None in this decision
- Decision date
- January 21, 2026
- Citation
- A26005716
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 A26005716.
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.
- Granted
The Veteran's bilateral hearing loss is granted as service-connected. The claims for alcohol abuse and psychiatric disorder are remanded for additional development, including a VA examination to determine the nature and etiology of these conditions.
- Denied
The Veteran's initial ratings for anxiety disorder and TBI were denied as the evidence did not meet the criteria for a higher rating.
- Remanded (sent back)
The Board has decided to remand the case due to a need for a new VA examination to assess the current severity of the Veteran's bilateral hearing loss. The issue remains under direct service connection theory.
- Denied
The Veteran's hearing loss was rated at 30 percent, the highest non-compensable rating available. The Board found that his hearing loss did not warrant a higher rating based on VA examinations and medical records.
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