The Board has determined that the Veteran's tinnitus is a result of exposure to loud noises during active duty, and as he served in combat, his statements are accepted as sufficient proof of service connection. The claim for service connection for tinnitus is therefore granted.
The deciding factor: The Veteran's DD Form 214 shows he earned the Combat Infantryman Badge, indicating a high probability of noise exposure. His statements regarding in-service exposure to acoustic trauma and onset of tinnitus are accepted as credible evidence of in-service incurrence of tinnitus absent any clear and unmistakable evidence to the contrary.
- Claimed conditions
- tinnitus
- How they argued it
- Direct service connection
- Exposure basis
- None
- Rating assigned
- None in this decision
- Decision date
- October 24, 2013
- Citation
- 1333633
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 1333633.
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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