The Board has granted service connection for tinnitus, finding that the Veteran's reported noise exposure during active duty and consistent testimony regarding continuity of symptoms since service discharge support a finding that his tinnitus began in service. Service connection was denied for bilateral hearing loss due to lack of probative evidence linking the condition to service.
The deciding factor: The Board found that while there is no direct evidence linking the Veteran's current bilateral hearing loss to service, the Veteran's consistent reports of noise exposure during active duty and continuity of symptoms since service discharge support a finding that his tinnitus began in service. The lack of probative evidence for bilateral hearing loss was due to the absence of an adequate VA examination addressing all relevant factors.
- Claimed conditions
- tinnitus, bilateral hearing loss
- How they argued it
- Direct service connection
- Exposure basis
- None
- Rating assigned
- None in this decision
- Decision date
- July 25, 2018
- Citation
- 18121104
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 18121104.
What this means for you
A partial grant means some issues were granted while others were denied or remanded — common in multi-issue claims. Look at which issues went which way, and how each was argued.
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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