The Veteran's tinnitus and headache disorder are granted service connection, while the left knee disability is granted a 20% rating. The left knee disability will not be rated higher than 60%. The decision also includes findings on increased ratings for other conditions.
The deciding factor: Service connection was established based on direct evidence of a link between current symptoms and military service, with tinnitus being linked to noise exposure in service and headache disorder not shown during or after service. For the left knee disability, the Board found that residuals from a partial meniscectomy resulted in chronic symptoms including pain, stiffness, swelling, effusion, and 'locking'.
- Claimed conditions
- tinnitus, headache disorder
- How they argued it
- Direct service connection
- Exposure basis
- None
- Rating assigned
- 20%
- Decision date
- July 24, 2018
- Citation
- 18120997
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 18120997.
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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