The Board has granted the Veteran's claims for service connection for tinnitus, sinusitis, and gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD). The claim for a left foot disability is pending. The claim for a low back disability remains pending.
The deciding factor: The evidence supports a finding that the Veteran experienced acoustic trauma during his active duty service, which likely contributed to his current tinnitus diagnosis. Service treatment records do not indicate any complaints or diagnoses related to sinusitis and GERD prior to their onset in the post-service period. The VA examiner opined that the left foot disability is less likely than not related to service, based on a lack of relevant medical evidence.
- Claimed conditions
- tinnitus, sinusitis, gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD), left foot disability, low back disability
- How they argued it
- Direct service connection
- Exposure basis
- None
- Rating assigned
- None in this decision
- Decision date
- October 28, 2011
- Citation
- 1140081
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 1140081.
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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