The Board has denied service connection for bilateral hearing loss disability, but granted service connection for tinnitus. The decision on hearing loss is based on the absence of evidence linking it to service, while tinnitus is found in equipoise with service connection due to continuity of symptoms since service.
The deciding factor: The VA examiner determined that there was no indication of any hearing loss in the Veteran's records and no complaints of hearing loss either. The Board concluded that the preponderance of the evidence did not support a link between current bilateral hearing loss and service, including noise exposure. For tinnitus, the examiner found it less likely than not caused by military noise exposure but noted the Veteran reported continuous symptoms since service.
- Claimed conditions
- bilateral hearing loss disability, tinnitus
- How they argued it
- Direct service connection
- Exposure basis
- None
- Rating
- Not verified here — check the original decision
- Decision date
- April 14, 2020
- Citation
- 20025336
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 20025336.
What this means for you
A grant means the Board allowed the benefit or issue identified in this decision. Review the original order: other issues in the same appeal may have a different outcome, and this decision does not predict another claim.
What you can do next
Related decisions
Other Board decisions on a similar condition or argued the same way.
- 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.
- Granted
The Veteran's tinnitus is granted as service connected. The issues of foot disability and cardiovascular disorder are remanded for additional development.
- 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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