The Board denied service connection for tinnitus, gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD), and a neck disability. The decision found that the Veteran's tinnitus did not begin during active service or be related to an in-service injury or disease.,Service connection was also denied for GERD as it is secondary to alcoholism, which the Board determined was due to the Veteran’s own willful misconduct.
The deciding factor: The preponderance of evidence did not support a finding that tinnitus began during active service or be related to an in-service injury or disease. The Veteran's history of head trauma and extensive post-service noise exposure were considered, but found insufficient to establish service connection.,Service connection for GERD was denied as the condition is secondary to alcoholism, which the Board determined was due to the Veteran’s own willful misconduct.
- Claimed conditions
- tinnitus, gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD), neck disability
- How they argued it
- Direct service connection
- Exposure basis
- None
- Rating
- Not verified here — check the original decision
- Decision date
- September 6, 2019
- Citation
- 19169405
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. Read the original VA decision (opens in a new tab) using citation 19169405.
What this means for you
A final Board denial may be appealed to the U.S. Court of Appeals for Veterans Claims, generally within 120 days of the Board mailing date. A Supplemental Claim with new and relevant evidence is a separate option. Another Higher-Level Review of the Board decision is not available. Check your own notice: this historical decision does not set your deadline.
What you can do next
Use your own notice and decision stage. A remanded issue is not a final court-appealable denial. VA review guidance and CAVC filing instructions (U.S. federal; reviewed October 7, 2026).
Related decisions
Other Board decisions on a similar condition or argued the same way.
- Whole decision: Remanded (sent back)
The Board has remanded the claims for service connection for hearing loss, tinnitus, and an acquired psychiatric disorder due to incomplete medical records and need for further examination.
- Whole decision: Denied
The Board denied the Veteran's claims for service connection for tinnitus, arthritis, and memory loss. The decision found no evidence linking these conditions to his military service.
- Whole decision: Granted
The Veteran's tinnitus is granted as service connected. The issues of foot disability and cardiovascular disorder are remanded for additional development.
- Whole decision: Granted
The Board has granted service connection for tinnitus, finding that it is at least as likely as not that the Veteran experienced tinnitus during his active duty service.
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