The Veteran's bilateral hearing loss and tinnitus were not shown as chronic in service, did not manifest to a compensable degree within the applicable presumptive period, and are not otherwise related to an in-service injury or disease.,The Veteran’s tinnitus was not shown as chronic in service, did not manifest to a compensable degree within the applicable presumptive period, and is not otherwise related to an in-service injury or disease. The Veteran's subjective reports of onset were inconsistent with his contemporaneous treatment records.,The Veteran does not have a current diagnosis of psychiatric disability (including PTSD, MST, substance and alcohol abuse, schizophrenia, and depression) that began during service or is otherwise related to an in-service injury or disease.
The deciding factor: The preponderance of the evidence is against finding that the Veteran has had bilateral hearing loss at any time during or approximate to the pendency of the claim.,The preponderance of the evidence is against finding that a psychiatric disability, to include PTSD, MST, substance and alcohol abuse, and depression began during active service, or is otherwise related to an in-service injury or disease. The Veteran's subjective reports of onset were inconsistent with his contemporaneous treatment records.,The preponderance of the evidence is against finding that the Veteran has had a psychiatric disability (including PTSD, MST, substance and alcohol abuse, schizophrenia, and depression) at any time during or approximate to the pendency of the claim.
- Claimed conditions
- bilateral hearing loss, tinnitus, psychiatric disability (including PTSD, MST, substance and alcohol abuse, schizophrenia, and depression)
- How they argued it
- Direct service connection
- Exposure basis
- None
- Rating
- Not verified here — check the original decision
- Decision date
- May 12, 2020
- Citation
- 20032892
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 20032892.
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: 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.
- Whole decision: 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.
- Whole decision: 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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