The Veteran's tinnitus is granted service connection and an initial rating of 70 percent for bipolar disorder prior to February 17, 2017. The Veteran also receives a TDIU determination prior to that date. The claim for a higher rating for lumbar spine strain remains pending.
The deciding factor: The evidence shows the Veteran's tinnitus was present within one year of separation from service and his bipolar disorder resulted in occupational and social impairment with deficiencies in most areas, meeting the criteria for a 70 percent disability rating prior to February 17, 2017. The claimant did not meet the criteria for a 100 percent disability rating.
- Claimed conditions
- tinnitus, bipolar disorder
- How they argued it
- Direct service connection
- Exposure basis
- None
- Rating assigned
- 70%
- Decision date
- July 24, 2018
- Citation
- 18120992
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 18120992.
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.
- Remanded (sent back)
The Board has remanded the case due to insufficient evidence regarding the Veteran's acquired psychiatric disorders, including bipolar disorder and PTSD. The Veteran will be asked to provide additional medical records and undergo a VA 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.
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