Veterans’ RightsAn independent resource for veterans
← All decisions
Whole decision: Denied

The Veteran's bilateral hearing loss was evaluated at 0 percent, and the claim for an increased rating was denied.,The Veteran's hypertension was evaluated at 0 percent, and the claim for an increased rating was denied.,Service connection for left leg numbness, sciatica numbness and pain was not granted as secondary to service-connected lumbar strain.

The deciding factor: The Veteran's bilateral hearing loss did not meet VA criteria for a compensable rating based on his audiometric test results.,The Veteran's hypertension did not meet VA criteria for a compensable rating based on his blood pressure readings and the need for continuous medication.,There was no evidence of left leg numbness, sciatica numbness and pain that could be linked to service-connected lumbar strain.

Claimed conditions
bilateral hearing loss, hypertension, left leg numbness, sciatica numbness and pain
How they argued it
Not specified
Exposure basis
None
Rating
Not verified here — check the original decision
Decision date
January 22, 2026
Citation
A26005724

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. Read the original VA decision (opens in a new tab) using citation A26005724.

What this means for you

A final Board denial may be appealed to the U.S. Court of Appeals for Veterans Claims, generally within 120 days of the Board mailing date. A Supplemental Claim with new and relevant evidence is a separate option. Another Higher-Level Review of the Board decision is not available. Check your own notice: this historical decision does not set your deadline.

What you can do next

Use your own notice and decision stage. A remanded issue is not a final court-appealable denial. VA review guidance and CAVC filing instructions (U.S. federal; reviewed October 7, 2026).

Related decisions

Other Board decisions on a similar condition or argued the same way.

Free starter guide for your own claim

Reading this because you were denied or under-rated? Get the plain-English next steps — your appeal options, the deadline that protects you, and how appeals like yours turn out. One email, no spam.

We will only use this to send the guide. No spam, unsubscribe any time. We never sell your information.

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.