The Veteran's claim for tinnitus and sleep apnea was denied as there is no evidence of in-service exposure or symptoms. The psychiatric disability, diagnosed as adjustment disorder with major depressive disorder with psychotic features, was granted as it began during service and is related to her migraines.,A 50% rating for migraines has been granted effective December 2, 2014.
The deciding factor: The Veteran did not provide any lay statements regarding tinnitus or sleep apnea symptoms. There was no evidence of in-service noise exposure and the only reference to tinnitus occurred more than a year after separation from service.,There is no evidence of sleep apnea during service, and the Veteran's STRs do not indicate any diagnosis or treatment for it. The Veteran did not provide sufficient evidence to establish that her psychiatric disability began during service.
- Claimed conditions
- tinnitus, sleep apnea, acquired psychiatric disability (adjustment disorder and major depressive disorder with psychotic features)
- How they argued it
- Direct service connection
- Exposure basis
- None
- Rating assigned
- 50%
- Decision date
- December 11, 2018
- Citation
- 18156789
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 18156789.
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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