The Veteran's claims for effective dates earlier than February 23, 2024 for grants of service connection for bilateral hearing loss, tinnitus, and a left hip disability have been denied.,The Veteran's claims for initial compensable ratings for bilateral hearing loss and left hip disability with impairment of the thigh have also been denied.
The deciding factor: The effective dates for the grants of service connection cannot be earlier than February 23, 2024 as they are based on the date following separation from active duty service.,For the initial compensable ratings claims, there is no evidence showing impairment of the thigh that results in limitation of rotation, toe-out more than 15 degrees, or adduction, which would warrant a higher rating under Diagnostic Code 5253. The Veteran's left hip disability does not meet the criteria for a separate rating under Diagnostic Code 5251.
- Claimed conditions
- bilateral hearing loss, tinnitus, left hip disability
- How they argued it
- Direct service connection
- Exposure basis
- None
- Rating assigned
- None in this decision
- Decision date
- February 24, 2026
- Citation
- A26016759
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 A26016759.
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 Veteran's appeal for service connection of bilateral hearing loss and a ruptured right ear drum was dismissed due to the death of the Veteran.
- Denied
The Board found that the Veteran's bilateral hearing loss was noted upon entry into active duty service and did not increase in severity during service. Therefore, it denied his claim for service connection.
- Remanded (sent back)
The Board has remanded the claims for service connection for hearing loss, tinnitus, and an acquired psychiatric disorder due to incomplete medical records and need for further examination.
- Denied
The Board denied the Veteran's claims for service connection for tinnitus, arthritis, and memory loss. The decision found no evidence linking these conditions to his military service.
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