The Veteran's claims for service connection for tinnitus, obstructive sleep apnea, diabetes mellitus, pseudofolliculitis barbae, right knee disability (limitation of flexion), and bilateral foot disability have been granted. The appeals for the issues of service connection for eczema and an evaluation in excess of 10 percent for right knee arthritis status post anterior cruciate ligament repair are dismissed.
The deciding factor: The Veteran's claims were reopened due to new evidence submitted since the last final denial, and he was found to have tinnitus that began during service. The Board also determined that his diabetes mellitus is related to service, as evidenced by symptoms present in service and post-service laboratory findings. The other issues of service connection are granted based on direct service connection.
- Claimed conditions
- tinnitus, obstructive sleep apnea, diabetes mellitus, pseudofolliculitis barbae, right knee arthritis status post anterior cruciate ligament repair (claimed as limitation of flexion), bilateral pes planus with plantar fasciitis, calcaneal spur, and 1st metatarsophalangeal joint arthritis
- How they argued it
- Direct service connection
- Exposure basis
- None
- Rating assigned
- None in this decision
- Decision date
- April 16, 2020
- Citation
- 20026400
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 20026400.
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.
- 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.
- Denied
The Board denied the Veteran's claim for service connection for obstructive sleep apnea, finding that there is no competent evidence to support a finding that his current condition began in or as a result of service.
- Granted
The Veteran's tinnitus is granted as service connected. The issues of foot disability and cardiovascular disorder are remanded for additional development.
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