The Veteran's tinnitus was granted service connection. The initial ratings for degenerative joint disease of the right and left knees were denied, but a separate rating of 10 percent for recurrent subluxation of both knees was granted. Service connection for hearing loss is remanded.
The deciding factor: Service connection for tinnitus was established based on continuity of symptomatology since service due to credible lay evidence. Ratings for degenerative joint disease and recurrent subluxation were denied as the Veteran's symptoms did not meet criteria for higher ratings under applicable diagnostic codes, with no objective findings supporting more severe limitations.
- Claimed conditions
- tinnitus, degenerative joint disease of the right knee, degenerative joint disease of the left knee, recurrent subluxation of the right knee, recurrent subluxation of the left knee
- How they argued it
- Direct service connection
- Exposure basis
- None
- Rating assigned
- 10%
- Decision date
- July 24, 2020
- Citation
- 20049620
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 20049620.
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.
- 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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