The Board denied the Veteran's claims for service connection for tinnitus, bilateral hearing loss disability, metastatic salivary duct carcinoma (claimed as high grade adenocarcinoma left side), and periodontal disease (claimed as bone loss due to dry mouth syndrome).,For tinnitus, the Board found that it was less likely than not related to service.
The deciding factor: The Veteran's MOS of basic field artillery is consistent with exposure to acoustic trauma in service. However, his contemporaneous denial of ear trouble at separation and lack of treatment for tinnitus until decades after service outweighed his current assertion.,Hearing loss was not shown upon separation from service and the Veteran did not seek treatment for hearing loss until May 2011. The Board found that the episodes of hearing loss described by the Veteran were temporary in nature, and as hearing loss from military noise exposure does not have delayed or progressive onset, it is less likely than not related to his military service.,The VA examiner diagnosed periodontal disease but noted no sign of xerostomia (dry mouth syndrome). The private dental records provided by the Veteran include a report of dry mouth and discussion of bone loss. Therefore, new examinations should be conducted to take into account these findings.
- Claimed conditions
- tinnitus, bilateral hearing loss disability, metastatic salivary duct carcinoma, periodontal disease
- How they argued it
- Direct service connection
- Exposure basis
- None
- Rating assigned
- None in this decision
- Decision date
- June 3, 2014
- Citation
- 1424898
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 1424898.
What this means for you
A denial is a starting point, not the end of the road. You can see why this claim fell short — and, if you are still inside the one-year window, the appeal lanes that may remain open to you.
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.
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.