The Veteran's claims for service connection for a bilateral hearing loss disability and a skin condition claimed as due to exposure to jet fuel and dioxins (herbicides) are granted. The Veteran is found to have been exposed to herbicide agents in Vietnam, which presumptively establishes his prostate cancer and PTSD with major depressive disorder.
The deciding factor: The Veteran's service records confirm his presence in the Republic of Vietnam during the Vietnam Era, which allows for the presumption of exposure to herbicides. The VA examiner confirmed that the Veteran has a current diagnosis of PTSD and major depressive disorder, consistent with an in-service stressor. For the hearing loss claim, while not currently meeting the criteria for service connection due to lack of evidence of a disability at the time of examination, the Board finds reasonable doubt resolved in favor of the Veteran based on his recent statements indicating he may now meet the threshold requirements.
- Claimed conditions
- bilateral hearing loss disability, skin condition
- How they argued it
- Presumptive (no nexus needed)
- Exposure basis
- Gulf War
- Rating assigned
- None in this decision
- Decision date
- May 4, 2016
- Citation
- 1617896
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 1617896.
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 granted service connection for tinnitus but has remanded the issue of service connection for bilateral hearing loss disability due to inadequate examination and reasoning.
- Granted
The Board has granted an effective date of June 8, 2022 for the award of service connection for a skin disability (dermatitis). This decision is based on the receipt of an intent to file dated June 8, 2022.
- Granted
The Board has granted service connection for lumbosacral strain, left knee disability, and right knee disability. Service connection for a skin condition is remanded.
- Dismissed
The Veteran withdrew his appeal regarding the claims for service connection for a skin condition, traumatic brain injury, a respiratory disability, bilateral shin splints, and bilateral flatfoot.
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