The Veteran's claim for service connection for tinnitus is denied as there is no evidence of a current disability and the VA examiner found it less likely than not related to service.,The Veteran's claim for service connection for bilateral hearing loss is denied because he does not meet the schedular requirements for a current disability, and the VA examiner found it less likely than not related to service.,The Veteran's claim for service connection for an acquired psychiatric disorder (PTSD) is granted as there is credible supporting evidence of in-service stressors and a link between symptoms and service.
The deciding factor: The April 2014 VA examiner found the Veteran’s current tinnitus not related to his service, citing lack of hearing loss at separation and absence of treatment for tinnitus during service.,The VA examiner concluded that the Veteran's left ear hearing loss is not related to service due to lack of evidence of a disability in service or within one year after separation. The right ear was found to be normal at separation.,The VA examiner linked the Veteran’s PTSD symptoms to his military service, finding credible supporting evidence for the claimed stressors.
- Claimed conditions
- tinnitus, bilateral hearing loss, an acquired psychiatric disorder (PTSD)
- How they argued it
- Direct service connection
- Exposure basis
- None
- Rating assigned
- None in this decision
- Decision date
- December 20, 2018
- Citation
- 18159978
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 18159978.
What this means for you
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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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