The Veteran's bilateral hearing loss and tinnitus were denied as they did not manifest to a compensable degree within the applicable presumptive period, and are not otherwise etiologically related to an in-service injury, event, or disease.,The Veteran's tinnitus was also denied as it did not manifest to a compensable degree within the applicable presumptive period, and is not otherwise etiologically related to an in-service injury, event, or disease.
The deciding factor: The Board found that there was no evidence of chronic hearing loss during service, and the Veteran's current bilateral hearing loss did not manifest until approximately 29 years after discharge from service. The VA examiner opined that it is less likely than not that the Veteran’s current bilateral hearing loss is caused by his military service.
- Claimed conditions
- bilateral hearing loss, tinnitus
- How they argued it
- Direct service connection
- Exposure basis
- None
- Rating assigned
- None in this decision
- Decision date
- June 4, 2019
- Citation
- 19142740
What this means for you
A denial is a starting point, not the end of the road. You can see why this claim fell short — and, if you are still inside the one-year window, the appeal lanes that may remain open to you.
What you can do next
Related decisions
Other Board decisions on a similar condition or argued the same way.
- Remanded (sent back)
The Board remands the claim for service connection for tinnitus to correct a duty to assist error, as the Veteran's lay statements regarding onset and continuity of symptoms were not adequately considered in the previous decision.
- Dismissed
The Veteran withdrew the appeals for service connection for bilateral pes planus, obstructive sleep apnea, bilateral hearing loss, tinnitus, and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD).
- Denied
The Board denied service connection for tinnitus, cubital tunnel syndrome, right plantar fasciitis, and a right knee disability due to the lack of evidence supporting a nexus between these conditions and the Veteran's military service.
- Granted
The Board granted an effective date of April 25, 2022, for the award of service connection for tinnitus and a 100 percent initial rating for PTSD with alcohol use disorder.
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