CAVC Case 13-3414: Back
CAVCReal U.S. Court of Appeals for Veterans Claims (CAVC) decision · 2013-09-19 · SCHOELEN, Judge
This is a decision of the U.S. Court of Appeals for Veterans Claims — the federal court that reviews Board of Veterans' Appeals decisions, one level above the Board. Court decisions can vacate, reverse, or affirm what the Board did.
Official 2026 VA monthly compensation, including the 2.8% COLA increase.
Dependent add-ons start at a 30% rating. Child-only and dependent-parent rates: see the full 2026 pay chart.
2026 base rates, all ratings (veteran alone)
| Rating | Monthly (2026, incl. 2.8% COLA) |
|---|---|
| 10% | $180.42 |
| 20% | $356.66 |
| 30% | $552.47 |
| 40% | $795.84 |
| 50% | $1,132.90 |
| 60% | $1,435.02 |
| 70% | $1,808.45 |
| 80% | $2,102.15 |
| 90% | $2,362.30 |
| 100% | $3,938.58 |
Conditions Claimed
BackHearing LossTinnitusHipSkinRespiratory
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Issues on Appeal
Back ConditionService ConnectionReopenHearing LossHip Condition
Why It Was Decided This Way
SCHOELEN, Judge :The pro se the appellant , appeals a September 19,2013, Board of Veterans'Appeals (Board)decision in which the Board denied his claims for disability compensation for (1)bilateral hearing loss,(2)a lumbar spine disorder,(3)a bilateral hip disorder, (4)a right hip scar, and (5)otalgia (ear pain), to include as secondary to bilateral hearing loss, service-connected tinnitus,or both,and (6)recurrent infections,to include as caused by Agent Orange exposure.
In September 2004,the appellant underwent VA audiological and orthopedic examinations that resulted in negative medical nexus opinions.
A March 2009 rating decision denied service connection for infections and otalgia and found new and material evidence had not been submitted to warrant reopening the previously denied claims.
VA examinations conducted in April 2013 resulted in negative nexus medical opinions for all the appellant's claims.
In the September 2013 decision on appeal, the Board found that the duty to assist had been satisfied and,relying on the April 2013 medical opinion, denied the appellant's claims.
ANALYSIS A finding of service connection is a finding of fact that the Court reviews under the clearly erroneous standard.
A finding of fact is clearly erroneous when the Court,after reviewing the entire evidence, is left with a definite and firm conviction that a mistake has been committed.
To comply with this requirement,the Board must analyze the credibility and probative value of the evidence,account for the evidence that it finds persuasive or unpersuasive,and provide the reasons for its rejection of any material evidence favorable to the claimant.
Authorities Cited
Denial Type
Credibility|No Nexus|Not New Material|Duty To Assist|Inadequate Exam
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