The Veteran's claim for service connection for tinnitus is denied. The left fifth metacarpal condition and PTSD are granted, but the initial increased ratings for left wrist sprain residual of in-service fracture, right hip osteoarthritis with limited extension and painful motion, left hip osteoarthritis with limited adduction and abduction, and left hip osteoarthritis with limited flexion are denied. The Veteran's claim for service connection for bilateral hearing loss is remanded.
The deciding factor: The Veteran’s reports of tinnitus were inconsistent, leading to a finding that he has had no disability of tinnitus during the appeal period.
- Claimed conditions
- tinnitus, left fifth metacarpal condition, left wrist sprain residual of in-service fracture, posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD), bilateral hearing loss, right inguinal hernia, right hip osteoarthritis with limited extension and painful motion, left hip osteoarthritis with limited extension, left hip osteoarthritis with limited adduction and abduction, left hip osteoarthritis with limited flexion
- How they argued it
- Direct service connection
- Exposure basis
- None
- Rating assigned
- 70%
- Decision date
- January 8, 2020
- Citation
- 20001632
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.
- Partly granted
The Veteran was granted a 70 percent initial disability rating for PTSD effective December 2, 2021, but the claim for an increased rating in excess of 70 percent was denied. The appeal also included claims for service connection and ratings for various conditions, some of which were granted while others were remanded.
- 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.
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