The Board has determined that the evidence is at least in equipoise as to whether the Veteran's tinnitus is etiologically related to his in-service hazardous noise exposure. Service connection for tinnitus is granted.
The deciding factor: The Veteran reported being exposed to a grenade explosion during service, which caused tinnitus and likely noise trauma. The VA examiner found that there was no documentation of hearing loss at separation but could not determine if the current hearing loss was related to in-service noise exposure without resorting to mere speculation.
- Claimed conditions
- tinnitus, bilateral hearing loss, an acquired psychiatric disorder to include PTSD
- How they argued it
- Direct service connection
- Exposure basis
- None
- Rating
- Not verified here — check the original decision
- Decision date
- June 14, 2018
- Citation
- 18111184
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 18111184.
What this means for you
A remand sends an issue back for more development, often a new examination or missing records. It does not award the benefit or decide the final outcome. The original decision explains the additional work ordered.
What you can do next
Related decisions
Other Board decisions on a similar condition or argued the same way.
- Dismissed
The Veteran's appeal for service connection of bilateral hearing loss and a ruptured right ear drum was dismissed due to the death of the Veteran.
- Denied
The Board found that the Veteran's bilateral hearing loss was noted upon entry into active duty service and did not increase in severity during service. Therefore, it denied his claim for service connection.
- 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.
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