The Board has granted service connection for left ear hearing loss and a 20 percent rating for right carpal tunnel syndrome. The claim for tinnitus was denied, as the evidence did not support its onset during active service. Service connection for low back disability is addressed in the REMAND portion of this decision.
The deciding factor: The Board found that there was sufficient noise exposure to attribute left ear hearing loss to service. Tinnitus was attributed to post-service factors due to the veteran's testimony indicating it began after separation from service. Right carpal tunnel syndrome met the criteria for a 20 percent rating based on mild symptoms.
- Claimed conditions
- left ear hearing loss, tinnitus, low back disability
- How they argued it
- Direct service connection
- Exposure basis
- None
- Rating assigned
- 20%
- Decision date
- July 6, 2007
- Citation
- 0720279
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 0720279.
What this means for you
A grant means the Board agreed the veteran was entitled to the benefit. Decisions like this show the kind of evidence and arguments that tend to succeed for claims like it.
What you can do next
Related decisions
Other Board decisions on a similar condition or argued the same way.
- 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.
- Granted
The Veteran's tinnitus is granted as service connected. The issues of foot disability and cardiovascular disorder are remanded for additional development.
- Granted
The Board has granted service connection for tinnitus, finding that it is at least as likely as not that the Veteran experienced tinnitus during his active duty service.
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