The Board finds that the Veteran's tinnitus is as likely as not related to his active duty, and grants service connection for this condition. For hearing loss, although there was no evidence of hearing loss at separation from service, the Board notes the Veteran's credible testimony regarding in-service acoustic trauma and ongoing symptoms since service. The Board also acknowledges that a VA examination did not provide reliable results due to lack of cooperation.
The deciding factor: The Veteran provided competent and credible testimony regarding his exposure to acoustic trauma during active duty and subsequent onset of tinnitus, which is considered a chronic disease for purposes of presumptive service connection under 38 C.F.R. § 3.309(a). For hearing loss, the Board found that there was sufficient evidence to support a finding of in-service acoustic trauma and ongoing symptoms since service.
- Claimed conditions
- tinnitus, hearing loss
- How they argued it
- Direct service connection
- Exposure basis
- None
- Rating assigned
- None in this decision
- Decision date
- June 26, 2012
- Citation
- 1222259
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 1222259.
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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