16-07 693
16-07 693
| Board of Vet. App. | May 31, 2017Background
- Veteran served in Korea (Jan 1952–Sep 1953), awarded Purple Heart and Combat Infantryman Badge; records include destroyed service treatment records.
- Appeals from RO rating decisions (Nov 2012, Feb 2013, Apr 2014); TDIU later granted from May 23, 2014.
- Claims before the Board: higher initial rating for service‑connected bilateral hearing loss; service connection for lumbar spine, upper‑lip scar, and left shoulder (latter two deferred/remanded).
- VA obtained multiple audiometric VA examinations (2013, Feb 2014, Sep 2014) and one private audiogram (Mar 2012); speech discrimination and pure‑tone averages translated to noncompensable numeric levels under DC 6100.
- Veteran consistently reported a mortar explosion in service causing facial burns and an upper‑lip scar; scar measured and described on VA exam.
Issues
| Issue | Plaintiff's Argument | Defendant's Argument | Held |
|---|---|---|---|
| Higher initial rating for bilateral hearing loss | Veteran contends hearing loss is compensable based on symptoms and audiology | VA relies on VA audiograms applying 38 C.F.R. § 4.85/DC 6100 showing noncompensable numeric levels | Denied — preponderance of evidence supports noncompensable rating for entire period |
| Service connection for scar on upper lip | Veteran asserts scar from mortar explosion in combat in Korea (in‑service injury) | VA notes destroyed service records but developed file and exams; contests direct record evidence | Granted — benefit of the doubt applied; scar service‑connected based on credible lay statements and exam |
| Service connection for lumbar spine disability | Veteran reports in‑service back injuries (running with gear) | VA contends record lacks sufficient medical nexus opinion | REMANDED — additional VA exam/opinion ordered to determine current disability and nexus |
| Service connection for left shoulder disability (including DJD) | Veteran alleges shoulder trauma in service | VA finds insufficient medical development to determine service nexus | REMANDED — VA exam/opinion ordered to determine diagnosis and nexus |
Key Cases Cited
- Quartuccio v. Principi, 16 Vet. App. 183 (2002) (VA notice obligations)
- Barr v. Nicholson, 21 Vet. App. 303 (2007) (duty to assist — adequacy of VA examination)
- Lendenmann v. Principi, 3 Vet. App. 345 (1992) (mechanical application of audiometric tables)
- Gilbert v. Derwinski, 1 Vet. App. 49 (1990) (benefit of the doubt doctrine)
- Thun v. Peake, 22 Vet. App. 111 (2008) (extraschedular referral threshold)
- Johnson v. McDonald, 762 F.3d 1362 (Fed. Cir. 2014) (extraschedular consideration for combined effects)
- McLendon v. Nicholson, 20 Vet. App. 79 (2006) (when VA must provide an examination)
- Cromer v. Nicholson, 19 Vet. App. 215 (2005) (effects of destroyed service records on VA duty to assist)
- Shedden v. Principi, 381 F.3d 1163 (Fed. Cir. 2004) (elements for service connection)