The Veteran's claim for service connection for tinnitus is granted. The initial rating of 20 percent for lumbosacral strain prior to May 23, 2017 is granted. A separate rating of 10 percent for associated LLE radiculopathy prior to June 13, 2013 and a higher rating of 20 percent from June 13, 2013 to May 23, 2017 is denied. The Veteran's claim for PTSD is granted with a rating of 50 percent effective before May 23, 2017. The Veteran's claim for TDIU prior to June 13, 2014 is granted.
The deciding factor: The decision was based on the evidence showing that tinnitus had its onset in service and there was no clear and unmistakable evidence of non-service origin. For lumbosacral strain, the Veteran's symptoms were found to be within normal limits with no significant additional loss of motion after repetitive use. The Veteran's PTSD symptoms met the criteria for a 50 percent rating.
- Claimed conditions
- tinnitus, lumbosacral strain, left lower extremity radiculopathy, PTSD
- How they argued it
- Direct service connection
- Exposure basis
- None
- Rating assigned
- 20%
- Decision date
- August 16, 2018
- Citation
- 18126979
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 18126979.
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.
- Granted
The Board of Veterans' Appeals has granted service connection for PTSD and Mood Disorders, both presumed conditions under the PACT Act.
- 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.
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