The Veteran's appeal was dismissed for the issues of an earlier effective date for tinnitus and bilateral hearing loss. Service connection for reflux esophagitis, esophageal stricture, and gastrointestinal bleeding (claimed as stomach problems) secondary to service-connected PTSD with alcohol use disorder on a causation basis is granted. The Veteran's TDIU claim from October 25, 2016 is also granted.
The deciding factor: The Veteran withdrew his appeal for an earlier effective date for tinnitus and bilateral hearing loss. Service connection was established for reflux esophagitis, esophageal stricture, and gastrointestinal bleeding secondary to PTSD with alcohol use disorder on a causation basis. The Veteran's combined disability rating is currently 80 percent.
- Claimed conditions
- tinnitus, bilateral hearing loss, reflux esophagitis, esophageal stricture, and gastrointestinal bleeding (claimed as stomach problems)
- How they argued it
- Secondary to another service-connected condition
- Exposure basis
- None
- Rating assigned
- 80%
- Decision date
- December 28, 2020
- Citation
- 20081204
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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