The Veteran's tinnitus is granted service connection as it originated during active duty. Service connection for bilateral hearing loss and ear disorder to include bleeding of the ears are denied due to lack of evidence linking these conditions to service. Low back, left leg, head trauma, and acquired psychiatric disorders (PTSD) are also denied.
The deciding factor: The Veteran's tinnitus is presumed incurred during active duty as it has been present since then. Bilateral hearing loss and ear disorder to include bleeding of the ears do not have sufficient evidence linking them to service. The other conditions listed were either not shown within one year post-service or lack credible evidence connecting them to service.
- Claimed conditions
- tinnitus, bilateral hearing loss, ear disorder (to include bleeding of the ears), low back disorder, left leg disorder, residuals of head trauma, acquired psychiatric disorder (PTSD)
- How they argued it
- Direct service connection
- Exposure basis
- None
- Rating assigned
- 0%
- Decision date
- June 27, 2019
- Citation
- 19150356
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.
- 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.
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.