Service connection is granted for tinnitus and PTSD, with a rating of 70 percent effective June 3, 2014. The Veteran's erectile dysfunction is not service-connected, but he has been granted a TDIU due to his PTSD. Bilateral hearing loss and residuals of a traumatic brain injury are remanded.
The deciding factor: The Veteran’s tinnitus had its onset during active duty service, while the VA examiner found no evidence linking his erectile dysfunction to diabetes or service. The rating for type two diabetes mellitus is denied as it does not meet criteria for an increased rating. PTSD meets the criteria for a 70 percent evaluation from June 3, 2014. A TDIU was granted due to the Veteran's inability to secure or maintain gainful employment since 2008.
- Claimed conditions
- tinnitus, erectile dysfunction, bilateral hearing loss, residuals of a traumatic brain injury (TBI), gout
- How they argued it
- Direct service connection
- Exposure basis
- None
- Rating assigned
- 70%
- Decision date
- August 30, 2019
- Citation
- 19167594
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 19167594.
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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