The claim for service connection for tinnitus has been reopened and granted. The low back disability rating was restored to 40%. Service connection for the cause of death is denied.
The deciding factor: Service connection for tinnitus was established due to in-service noise exposure, while the low back disability rating was restored based on procedural errors. Service connection for the cause of death was denied as there was no evidence linking the Veteran's heart disease to service or a service-connected condition.
- Claimed conditions
- tinnitus, chronic spasm and strain with degenerative changes, thoracolumbar spine (low back disability), residuals of a right heel injury, residuals of a fractured proximal phalanx of the right fifth toe
- How they argued it
- Direct service connection
- Exposure basis
- None
- Rating assigned
- 20%
- Decision date
- August 21, 2019
- Citation
- 19165083
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 19165083.
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.
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