The Veteran's claim for service connection for pseudofolliculitis barbae, feet calluses, and bilateral hearing loss was denied. The Veteran's claim for service connection for tinnitus is granted. Service connection for a left ankle disability and hypertension were not established.,Service connection for tinnitus was granted as the evidence showed current symptoms consistent with the Veteran's in-service noise exposure.
The deciding factor: The preponderance of the evidence did not support the presence of pseudofolliculitis barbae, feet calluses, or bilateral hearing loss at any time during the pendency of the claim. Service connection for tinnitus was granted as there was credible evidence linking the Veteran's current symptoms to his in-service noise exposure.,Service connection for hypertension and left ankle disability were denied due to lack of a nexus between these conditions and service.
- Claimed conditions
- pseudofolliculitis barbae, feet calluses, bilateral hearing loss, tinnitus, left ankle disability, hypertension
- How they argued it
- Direct service connection
- Exposure basis
- None
- Rating
- Not verified here — check the original decision
- Decision date
- February 10, 2020
- Citation
- 20010861
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 20010861.
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: Dismissed
The Veteran's appeal for service connection of bilateral hearing loss and a ruptured right ear drum was dismissed due to the death of the Veteran.
- Whole decision: Remanded (sent back)
The Board has remanded the claims for service connection for hypertension and peripheral neuropathy of the bilateral upper and lower extremities due to insufficient medical opinions regarding their etiology.
- Whole decision: Remanded (sent back)
The Board has expanded the scope of the claim to include any mental health disorder raised by the record and has remanded for additional development regarding service connection for left leg, ankle, and psychiatric disabilities.
- Whole decision: Denied
The Board found that the Veteran's bilateral hearing loss was noted upon entry into active duty service and did not increase in severity during service. Therefore, it denied his claim for service connection.
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