The Veteran's bilateral hearing loss and tinnitus are service-connected.,The Veteran's tinnitus is service-connected. The Board finds that the Veteran had noise exposure during service which likely contributed to his current condition.,Service connection for a bilateral leg and foot disability (presumed to be a skin disability) is granted as it is presumed due to herbicide exposure in Vietnam, although there is no evidence of such exposure based on the provided information. Service connection for diabetes mellitus and spine disability are not established by the evidence presented.,Service connection for diabetes mellitus is granted as the Veteran has this condition and service treatment records show he was treated for thrombophlebitis during service, which may be related to his current condition.,Service connection for a spine disability is denied as there is no clear and unmistakable evidence that any increase in severity of the preexisting spine disability occurred due to natural progression.
The deciding factor: The Veteran's hearing loss and tinnitus are service-connected based on continuity of symptomatology, with credible statements from the Veteran regarding noise exposure during service.,Tinnitus is a condition capable of lay observation. The Veteran reported constant high pitch ringing in both ears that began during service and continues to this day. Service treatment records show no specific examination for hearing loss at separation, but the Veteran's current diagnosis supports his claim.,The Veteran's presumed leg and foot disability (presumed skin disability) is granted based on a finding of herbicide exposure in Vietnam, although there is no evidence provided to support such exposure. The Veteran has had similar symptoms since service and treatment records show he was treated for thrombophlebitis during service.,Service connection for diabetes mellitus is granted as the Veteran's current condition is related to his in-service treatment of thrombophlebitis, which may be a precursor or related to his current condition. The evidence does not support herbicide exposure based on the provided information.,The spine disability was not incurred during service and there is no clear and unmistakable evidence that any increase in severity of the preexisting spine disability occurred due to natural progression.
- Claimed conditions
- bilateral hearing loss, tinnitus, a bilateral leg and foot disability (presumed to be a skin disability), diabetes mellitus, spine disability
- How they argued it
- Not specified
- Exposure basis
- None
- Rating assigned
- None in this decision
- Decision date
- May 22, 2014
- Citation
- 1423304
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 1423304.
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.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
Free starter guide for your own claim
Reading this because you were denied or under-rated? Get the plain-English next steps — your appeal options, the deadline that protects you, and how appeals like yours turn out. One email, no spam.
We will only use this to send the guide. No spam, unsubscribe any time. We never sell your information.
We are not the VA. Veterans’ Rights is an independent resource built for veterans. We are not the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs, not part of the government, and not endorsed by any government agency.
This is general information, not legal advice. For advice about your own situation, talk to a VA-accredited representative — many help for free.