The Board denied the Veteran's claims for service connection for bilateral hearing loss, tinnitus, PTSD, bronchitis, and bilateral foot calluses. The decision found that while the Veteran was exposed to noise in service, his right ear hearing impairment did not meet VA compensation criteria. His left ear hearing loss and tinnitus were determined to be related to service exposure. Service connection for PTSD was denied due to lack of a verified in-service stressor. No new evidence reopened any claims.
The deciding factor: The Veteran's right ear hearing loss did not meet the criteria for disability under VA compensation standards, while his left ear hearing loss and tinnitus were found to be related to service exposure. Service connection for PTSD was denied due to lack of a verified in-service stressor.
- Claimed conditions
- bilateral hearing loss, tinnitus, posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD), bronchitis, bilateral foot calluses
- How they argued it
- Direct service connection
- Exposure basis
- None
- Rating
- Not verified here — check the original decision
- Decision date
- February 24, 2012
- Citation
- 1206739
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. Read the original VA decision (opens in a new tab) using citation 1206739.
What this means for you
A final Board denial may be appealed to the U.S. Court of Appeals for Veterans Claims, generally within 120 days of the Board mailing date. A Supplemental Claim with new and relevant evidence is a separate option. Another Higher-Level Review of the Board decision is not available. Check your own notice: this historical decision does not set your deadline.
What you can do next
Use your own notice and decision stage. A remanded issue is not a final court-appealable denial. VA review guidance and CAVC filing instructions (U.S. federal; reviewed October 7, 2026).
Related decisions
Other Board decisions on a similar condition or argued the same way.
- Whole decision: Dismissed
The Veteran's appeal for service connection of bilateral hearing loss and a ruptured right ear drum was dismissed due to the death of the Veteran.
- Whole decision: Denied
The Board found that the Veteran's bilateral hearing loss was noted upon entry into active duty service and did not increase in severity during service. Therefore, it denied his claim for service connection.
- Whole decision: 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.
- Whole decision: Remanded (sent back)
The Board has remanded the case due to insufficient evidence regarding the Veteran's acquired psychiatric disorders, including bipolar disorder and PTSD. The Veteran will be asked to provide additional medical records and undergo a VA examination.
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