The Veteran's claims for tinnitus, a pulmonary disability related to asbestos exposure, and PTSD have been granted. Service connection is also granted for a left shoulder disability (psoriatic arthritis). The Veteran's claim for COPD with asbestosis has been reopened due to new evidence.
The deciding factor: New and material evidence was submitted supporting the claims of service connection for tinnitus, pulmonary disability related to asbestos exposure, PTSD, and a left shoulder disability. The VA examiner provided an opinion linking the Veteran’s current respiratory issues to his military service, including exposure to asbestos aboard ship.
- Claimed conditions
- COPD, bilateral hearing loss disability, tinnitus, psoriatic arthritis (left shoulder)
- How they argued it
- Not specified
- Exposure basis
- None
- Rating assigned
- 70%
- Decision date
- July 3, 2018
- Citation
- 18115580
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 18115580.
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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