The Veteran's claim for an initial rating in excess of 10 percent for service-connected tinnitus, bilateral hearing loss, and PTSD has been denied. The claims for effective dates earlier than March 25, 2015, for the grant of service connection for these conditions have also been denied. The claim for COPD has been reopened due to new evidence submitted. Service connection for tension headaches is granted. Service connection for a back disability and high cholesterol are denied. Service connection for left shoulder and right shoulder disabilities as well as disabilities manifested by left and right hand numbness are not established. The Veteran's TDIU claim related to PTSD is remanded.
The deciding factor: The Veteran has not provided sufficient evidence or argument to support his claims for higher ratings, earlier effective dates, or service connection for the conditions listed in the decision summary.
- Claimed conditions
- tinnitus, bilateral hearing loss, PTSD, CAD, COPD, tension headaches, back disability, high cholesterol, left shoulder disability, right shoulder disability, left hand numbness, right hand numbness
- How they argued it
- Reopened with new and material evidence
- Exposure basis
- None
- Rating assigned
- None in this decision
- Decision date
- August 28, 2020
- Citation
- 20057019
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 20057019.
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.
- Remanded (sent back)
The Veteran's right shoulder disability and migraines/chronic headaches are remanded for additional development due to insufficient opinions on the etiology of her conditions.
- Granted
The Board of Veterans' Appeals has granted service connection for PTSD and Mood Disorders, both presumed conditions under the PACT Act.
- 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.
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