The Board has granted service connection for tinnitus, diabetes mellitus, type II, and peripheral neuropathy of the bilateral lower extremities as secondary to diabetes. Service connection was denied for Bell's palsy due to lack of evidence linking it to VA treatment.
The deciding factor: The Veteran’s tinnitus is found to have had its initial onset during service, diabetes mellitus, type II is found to be related to hepatitis C (service-connected), and peripheral neuropathy of the bilateral lower extremities is found to be secondary to diabetes. Service connection for Bell's palsy was denied due to lack of evidence linking it to VA treatment.
- Claimed conditions
- tinnitus, diabetes mellitus, type II, peripheral neuropathy of bilateral lower extremities, Bell's palsy
- How they argued it
- Direct service connection
- Exposure basis
- None
- Rating assigned
- None in this decision
- Decision date
- October 29, 2020
- Citation
- 20070125
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 remands the claim for service connection for tinnitus to correct a duty to assist error, as the Veteran's lay statements regarding onset and continuity of symptoms were not adequately considered in the previous decision.
- Dismissed
The Veteran withdrew the appeals for service connection for bilateral pes planus, obstructive sleep apnea, bilateral hearing loss, tinnitus, and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD).
- Denied
The Board denied service connection for tinnitus, cubital tunnel syndrome, right plantar fasciitis, and a right knee disability due to the lack of evidence supporting a nexus between these conditions and the Veteran's military service.
- Granted
The Board granted an effective date of April 25, 2022, for the award of service connection for tinnitus and a 100 percent initial rating for PTSD with alcohol use disorder.
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