The Veteran's tinnitus is granted service connection. The low back disability rating from February 5, 2013 to September 5, 2017 was granted at 20%, and thereafter at 40%.
The deciding factor: The evidence established that the Veteran’s tinnitus originated in service or was otherwise attributable to his active duty service. For the period from February 5, 2013 to September 5, 2017, the Veteran's low back disability did not meet the criteria for a higher rating as forward flexion of the thoracolumbar spine was not shown to be functionally limited to 30 degrees or less.
- Claimed conditions
- tinnitus, lumbar stenosis, lumbar intervertebral disc syndrome, lumbar arthritis
- How they argued it
- Direct service connection
- Exposure basis
- None
- Rating assigned
- 40%
- Decision date
- November 8, 2018
- Citation
- 18149053
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 18149053.
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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