The Veteran's claims for increased ratings and service connection have been denied. The Board found that the preponderance of evidence is against a higher rating for tinnitus, left upper extremity radicular neuropathy, vascular headaches, epididymitis and testicle cyst condition, external hemorrhoids, and left arm scars. Service connection was granted for PTSD.
The deciding factor: The Veteran's claims were denied as the preponderance of evidence did not support a higher rating or service connection for the conditions in question.
- Claimed conditions
- tinnitus, shrapnel fragment wound, left upper extremity with residual radicular neuropathy, vascular headaches (claimed as headaches due to head trauma), epididymitis and testicle cyst condition, external hemorrhoids, left arm scars, acquired psychiatric disorder, to include post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), traumatic brain injury (TBI), bilateral hearing loss
- How they argued it
- Not specified
- Exposure basis
- None
- Rating assigned
- None in this decision
- Decision date
- August 12, 2020
- Citation
- 20053578
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 20053578.
What this means for you
A denial is a starting point, not the end of the road. You can see why this claim fell short — and, if you are still inside the one-year window, the appeal lanes that may remain open to you.
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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