The Veteran's claims for service connection for shortness of breath, PTSD, tinnitus, and gout have been granted. The Board found that the Veteran engaged in combat during his active duty service, which supports a finding of service connection for PTSD. Tinnitus was also linked to his military service. However, the claim for gout is pending as an opinion regarding its onset in service or relation to service has not yet been provided.
The deciding factor: The Board granted service connection for PTSD based on the Veteran's combat experience and current symptoms consistent with PTSD. Service connection for tinnitus was established due to noise exposure during active duty. The claim for gout remains pending as an opinion regarding its onset in service or relation to service has not yet been provided.
- Claimed conditions
- shortness of breath, tightness in the chest, an acquired psychiatric disorder (PTSD), tinnitus, gout
- How they argued it
- Direct service connection
- Exposure basis
- None
- Rating assigned
- None in this decision
- Decision date
- August 31, 2009
- Citation
- 0932670
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 0932670.
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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