The Board has determined that the Veteran's tinnitus is related to service and granted service connection. The issues of service connection for TBI, increased ratings for shell fragment wounds of the left shoulder and upper back with retained foreign body, left shoulder scar, mid-back inferior lateral scar, and posterior lateral left lower back scars are remanded due to the need for additional examinations.
The deciding factor: The Board found that the evidence was in relative equipoise regarding the relationship between tinnitus and service. The issues of TBI, increased ratings for shell fragment wounds, scars, and other disabilities were remanded because VA did not have a recent examination or medical opinion on record to determine the current severity and manifestations of these conditions.
- Claimed conditions
- tinnitus, traumatic brain injury (TBI), shell fragment wounds of the left shoulder and upper back with retained foreign body, left shoulder scar, mid-back inferior lateral scar, posterior lateral left lower back scars
- How they argued it
- Direct service connection
- Exposure basis
- None
- Rating assigned
- None in this decision
- Decision date
- December 18, 2018
- Citation
- 18159105
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 18159105.
What this means for you
A remand is not a loss. The Board sent the case back for more development — often a new exam or missing records — before making a final decision. Many remands later end in a grant, and the decision spells out exactly what the Board wanted to see.
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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