The Board has granted service connection for low back disability and bilateral hearing loss, finding that the evidence is in equipoise as to whether these conditions are related to service. Service connection was denied for diabetes mellitus and diabetic neuropathy of the lower extremities due to lack of evidence linking these conditions to service.,An increased rating for PFB residuals (pseudofolliculitis barbae) is remanded, as new examination findings may be necessary given changes in VA rating criteria.

The deciding factor: The Board found that the Veteran's current low back disability and bilateral hearing loss are causally related to service due to the evidence of continuity of symptomatology and credible statements from the Veteran regarding his exposure to noise during service. Service connection was denied for diabetes mellitus and diabetic neuropathy as there is no competent evidence associating these conditions with service or another service-connected disability.,The Board noted that VA's duty to obtain medical examination or opinion has not been triggered due to lack of evidence suggesting the onset of diabetes mellitus and/or diabetic neuropathy in service. The Veteran's claim for an increased rating for PFB residuals is remanded as new examination findings may be necessary given changes in VA rating criteria.

Claimed conditions

{"condition_name":"Low Back Disability"}, {"condition_name":"Bilateral Hearing Loss"}, {"condition_name":"Diabetes Mellitus"}, {"condition_name":"Diabetic Neuropathy of the Lower Extremities"}

How they argued it

Direct service connection

Exposure basis

None

Rating assigned

None in this decision

Decision date

August 8, 2019

Citation

19161399

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 19161399.