The Veteran's appeal for increased ratings for tinnitus, left ear hearing loss, and an acquired psychiatric disorder, as well as earlier effective dates for those service-connected disabilities, has been withdrawn. The claims for right ear hearing loss, diabetes mellitus, type II, bilateral upper extremity neuropathy, bilateral lower extremity neuropathy, and coronary artery disease have been reopened due to new evidence received since the final denial of these claims. Service connection is granted for these conditions based on herbicide agent exposure.
The deciding factor: The Veteran provided lay testimony regarding potential herbicide agents exposure at Korat RTAFB in Thailand, which was consistent with his service records and MOS as an aircraft operator/aircraft traffic controller. The RO attempted to verify the Veteran's exposure, finding that he may have been exposed to herbicide agents during his service.
- Claimed conditions
- tinnitus, left ear hearing loss, acquired psychiatric disorder
- How they argued it
- Presumptive (no nexus needed)
- Exposure basis
- Gulf War
- Rating assigned
- None in this decision
- Decision date
- November 4, 2020
- Citation
- 20071327
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 20071327.
What this means for you
A dismissal means the Board did not decide the issue on its merits — usually because it was withdrawn or had become moot. It says more about procedure than about whether a claim like this can win.
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.
- Remanded (sent back)
The Board has remanded the case for additional development regarding the Veteran's service connection claim for an acquired psychiatric disorder, including PTSD.
- Granted
The Veteran's tinnitus is granted as service connected. The issues of foot disability and cardiovascular disorder are remanded for additional development.
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