The Board has granted service connection for bilateral hearing loss and tinnitus, finding that the Veteran's current disabilities are related to his in-service acoustic trauma. Service connection for GERD secondary to PTSD and diabetes mellitus, type II is also granted. The issue of service connection for umbilical hernia remains pending as it is not clear if it is directly related to service-connected conditions or if it is a separate condition.
The deciding factor: The Board found that the Veteran's current bilateral hearing loss and tinnitus are at least as likely as not caused by his in-service acoustic trauma, which he experienced during combat operations. Service connection for GERD secondary to PTSD and diabetes mellitus, type II was granted based on the evidence showing a link between PTSD and gastrointestinal issues.
- Claimed conditions
- bilateral hearing loss disability, tinnitus, gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD), umbilical hernia
- How they argued it
- Secondary to another service-connected condition
- Exposure basis
- None
- Rating assigned
- 50%
- Decision date
- March 20, 2017
- Citation
- 1708360
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 1708360.
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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