The Board has determined that new and material evidence has been received to reopen the Veteran's claims for service connection for tinnitus and lower back strain. The claim for tinnitus is granted as it is supported by credible testimony of in-service noise exposure and continuity of symptoms since service, meeting the criteria for direct service connection. The claim for lower back strain is also granted based on credible testimony regarding in-service injury and continuity of symptomatology.
The deciding factor: The Veteran's testimony regarding in-service noise exposure and post-service chronic tinnitus aligns with the medical evidence indicating a link between noise exposure and tinnitus, meeting the criteria for direct service connection. For his lower back strain, the Board finds that credible lay statements from the Veteran and his sister substantiate an injury during service and continuity of symptoms since then, warranting service connection.
- Claimed conditions
- tinnitus, lower back strain
- How they argued it
- Direct service connection
- Exposure basis
- None
- Rating
- Not verified here — check the original decision
- Decision date
- February 10, 2016
- Citation
- 1605041
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. Search VA.gov for the original decision (opens in a new tab) using citation 1605041.
What this means for you
A grant means the Board allowed the benefit or issue identified in this decision. Review the original order: other issues in the same appeal may have a different outcome, and this decision does not predict another claim.
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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