The Board has denied service connection for left ear hearing loss and granted earlier effective dates of January 22, 2024, for the grants of service connection for right ear hearing loss, a left shoulder disability (left shoulder strain with joint instability), a low back disability (lumbosacral strain with intervertebral disc syndrome (IVDS)), left knee strain, left knee limitation of flexion, and left knee limitation of extension.
The deciding factor: The Veteran's claims for service connection were previously denied in February 2019. The Board found no current hearing loss at a level qualifying as a disability for VA compensation purposes and that the earlier effective dates requested by the Veteran are not warranted due to lack of prior claim or notice of disagreement.
- Claimed conditions
- left ear hearing loss, right ear hearing loss, left shoulder disability (left shoulder strain with joint instability), low back disability (lumbosacral strain with intervertebral disc syndrome (IVDS)), left knee strain, left knee limitation of flexion, left knee limitation of extension
- How they argued it
- Direct service connection
- Exposure basis
- None
- Rating
- Not verified here — check the original decision
- Decision date
- April 17, 2026
- Citation
- A26036243
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 A26036243.
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.
- Whole decision: Denied
The Veteran's claim for an initial compensable disability rating for onychomycosis was denied as the condition did not require treatment and covered less than 5% of his body. The Board also remanded issues regarding service connection for left ear hearing loss and entitlement to a compensable disability rating for right ear hearing loss.
- Whole decision: Dismissed
The Veteran withdrew his appeal for service connection of right ear hearing loss, and the case is dismissed.
- Whole decision: Remanded (sent back)
The Board has remanded the claims for shin splints, right knee disability, acquired psychiatric disorder (depression), stomach disability, and left ear hearing loss due to errors in providing notice of the right to a hearing.
- Whole decision: Dismissed
The Board dismissed the appeals for service connection of various conditions due to untimely filing of the appeal.
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