The Veteran's claim for service connection for tinnitus, an acquired psychiatric disorder (PTSD and alcohol use disorder), obstructive sleep apnea, left shoulder disorder, right shoulder disorder, left hip disorder, right hip disorder, left ankle disorder, and right ankle disorder has been granted. The claims for service connection for a left elbow disorder, back disorder, and total disability rating based on individual unemployability are being remanded.
The deciding factor: The Veteran's tinnitus is linked to military noise exposure, his acquired psychiatric disorders (PTSD and alcohol use disorder) are related to in-service stressors, and obstructive sleep apnea is not causally related to an in-service event. The remaining claims for service connection have been granted based on the evidence of record.
- Claimed conditions
- tinnitus, obstructive sleep apnea, left shoulder disorder, right shoulder disorder, left hip disorder, right hip disorder, left ankle disorder, right ankle disorder
- How they argued it
- Direct service connection
- Exposure basis
- None
- Rating assigned
- None in this decision
- Decision date
- January 19, 2021
- Citation
- 21003152
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 21003152.
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 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.
- Denied
The Board denied the Veteran's claim for service connection for obstructive sleep apnea, finding that there is no competent evidence to support a finding that his current condition began in or as a result of service.
- 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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