The Veteran's claim for service connection for bilateral hearing loss is denied, but his claim for tinnitus is granted. Additionally, a separate rating of 10 percent for right knee instability is granted effective from September 22, 2016.
The deciding factor: The VA examiner found that the Veteran’s current tinnitus was less likely caused by service exposure to noise, but the Board considered the Veteran's lay statements and determined that his symptoms began during service. The claim for bilateral hearing loss is denied as there is no evidence of a current disability meeting VA compensation criteria.
- Claimed conditions
- {"condition_name":"Bilateral Hearing Loss"}, {"condition_name":"Tinnitus"}
- How they argued it
- Direct service connection
- Exposure basis
- None
- Rating assigned
- 10%
- Decision date
- April 25, 2019
- Citation
- 19132059
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 19132059.
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 granted service connection for obstructive sleep apnea, effective from the date of the February 2025 rating decision.
- Remanded (sent back)
The Board remands the claim for a medical examination to determine if the Veteran's current neck strain is related to his in-service activities.
- Remanded (sent back)
The Board remands the claim for a rating in excess of 70 percent for PTSD due to an inadequate medical opinion.
- Granted
The Board granted service connection for myasthenia gravis based on the Veteran's exposure to hazardous substances during his military service.
We are not the VA. Veterans’ Rights is an independent resource built for veterans. We are not the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs, not part of the government, and not endorsed by any government agency.
This is general information, not legal advice. For advice about your own situation, talk to a VA-accredited representative — many help for free.