The Board has granted service connection for tinnitus, but denied the remaining claims of service connection for bilateral hearing loss, left leg shin splints, residuals of a low back injury, right leg shin splints, and residuals of a right leg injury. The decision is based on new evidence received after the July 2019 denial that supports the Veteran's claim of tinnitus being related to in-service noise exposure.
The deciding factor: The Board found that the Veteran submitted new and relevant evidence (lay statements) that was not previously considered, which supported his contention that his tinnitus is related to in-service noise exposure. The VA examiner did not consider these lay assertions when forming their opinion, leading the Board to find them more credible.
- Claimed conditions
- tinnitus, bilateral hearing loss, left leg shin splints, residuals of a low back injury, right leg shin splints, residuals of a right leg injury
- How they argued it
- Reopened with new and material evidence
- Exposure basis
- None
- Rating assigned
- None in this decision
- Decision date
- October 29, 2020
- Citation
- A20016259
Veterans Law Judge
Judge attribution: 2025 complete; earlier years partial.
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 A20016259.
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.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
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