The Veteran's claims for service connection for hearing loss and tinnitus were denied as there is no evidence of current disabilities related to these conditions. The claim for service connection for sleep apnea was granted on a secondary basis, with the weight of evidence being in relative balance.,Service connection for congestive heart failure and residuals of transient ischemic attacks (stroke) were both denied due to lack of evidence linking these conditions to service.
The deciding factor: The Veteran's hearing loss and tinnitus claims are denied because there is no current disability related to these conditions, as evidenced by the absence of audiometric data showing impaired hearing or complaints regarding these symptoms. The claim for sleep apnea was granted on a secondary basis due to aggravation by service-connected disabilities.
- Claimed conditions
- {"condition_name":"Hearing Loss","claimed_condition":true,"service_connection_theory":"direct"}, {"condition_name":"Tinnitus","claimed_condition":true,"service_connection_theory":"direct"}, {"condition_name":"Sleep Apnea","claimed_condition":true,"service_connection_theory":"secondary"}, {"condition_name":"Congestive Heart Failure (Heart Condition)","claimed_condition":true,"service_connection_theory":"direct"}, {"condition_name":"Residuals of Transient Ischemic Attacks (Stroke)","claimed_condition":true,"service_connection_theory":"direct"}
- How they argued it
- Direct service connection
- Exposure basis
- None
- Rating assigned
- None in this decision
- Decision date
- June 6, 2019
- Citation
- 19143795
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.
- 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.
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