The Veteran's appeal for left elbow strain was dismissed as he withdrew the claim prior to a decision.,Tinnitus has been granted service connection based on in-service noise exposure and continuity of symptoms since service.
The deciding factor: The Board found that the Veteran’s tinnitus is less likely than not caused by or related to military noise exposure, but after considering all evidence, including his lay statements regarding onset and continuity of symptoms, the Board concluded that a continuity of symptomatology has been established sufficient for service connection.
- Claimed conditions
- {"condition_name":"left elbow strain","condition_code":null}, {"condition_name":"tinnitus","condition_code":null}, {"condition_name":"bilateral hearing loss","condition_code":null}, {"condition_name":"facet arthritis with lumbar strain, degenerative disc disease (DDD), anterior subluxation, herniated nucleus pulposis and scars (low back)","condition_code":null}
- How they argued it
- Direct service connection
- Exposure basis
- None
- Rating assigned
- None in this decision
- Decision date
- December 4, 2019
- Citation
- 19191408
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 19191408.
What this means for you
A dismissal means the Board did not decide the issue on its merits — usually because it was withdrawn or had become moot. It says more about procedure than about whether a claim like this can win.
What you can do next
Related decisions
Other Board decisions on a similar condition or argued the same way.
- Granted
The Board granted service connection for obstructive sleep apnea, effective from the date of the February 2025 rating decision.
- Remanded (sent back)
The Board remands the claim for a medical examination to determine if the Veteran's current neck strain is related to his in-service activities.
- Granted
The Board granted an effective date of October 20, 2023 for a 70 percent rating for service-connected PTSD.
- Remanded (sent back)
The Board remands the claim for a rating in excess of 70 percent for PTSD due to an inadequate medical opinion.
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