The Veteran's claim for service connection for tinnitus is denied as there is no evidence of in-service or post-service continuity of symptomatology. The Veteran's TDIU claim prior to June 27, 2012 is also denied as his service-connected disabilities did not preclude him from securing and following all forms of substantially gainful employment.
The deciding factor: The Board found that the evidence does not support a finding of continuity of symptomatology for tinnitus or that it was related to service. The Veteran's service records do not show any mention of tinnitus, and his statements regarding its onset are inconsistent. For TDIU prior to June 27, 2012, the Board noted that the Veteran had a history of employment as a drummer and completed college education, indicating he was capable of securing and following all forms of substantially gainful employment.
- Claimed conditions
- tinnitus, PTSD, diabetes mellitus, right and left lower extremity peripheral neuropathy, right and left upper extremity peripheral neuropathy, shrapnel wound scars, erectile dysfunction
- How they argued it
- Direct service connection
- Exposure basis
- None
- Rating
- Not verified here — check the original decision
- Decision date
- December 1, 2017
- Citation
- 1755143
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. Read the original VA decision (opens in a new tab) using citation 1755143.
What this means for you
A final Board denial may be appealed to the U.S. Court of Appeals for Veterans Claims, generally within 120 days of the Board mailing date. A Supplemental Claim with new and relevant evidence is a separate option. Another Higher-Level Review of the Board decision is not available. Check your own notice: this historical decision does not set your deadline.
What you can do next
Use your own notice and decision stage. A remanded issue is not a final court-appealable denial. VA review guidance and CAVC filing instructions (U.S. federal; reviewed October 7, 2026).
Related decisions
Other Board decisions on a similar condition or argued the same way.
- Whole decision: Dismissed
The Veteran's claim for an earlier effective date for diabetes mellitus type II with erectile dysfunction was denied as the evidence did not show that he had been diagnosed and manifested to at least a 10 percent disability rating on or prior to May 8, 2001.
- Whole decision: 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.
- Whole decision: 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.
- Whole decision: Granted
The Veteran's tinnitus is granted as service connected. The issues of foot disability and cardiovascular disorder are remanded for additional development.
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