The Veteran's tinnitus is rated at the maximum allowable, and service connection for CLL, residuals of myocardial infarction, bilateral hearing loss, OSA (now claimed as secondary to PTSD), and breathing problems (now claimed as COPD) are all denied.,A VA examination is needed to determine the nature and etiology of the Veteran's diagnosed conditions, including his COPD.
The deciding factor: The preponderance of evidence does not support service connection for any of the conditions listed in the decision summary. The Veteran’s tinnitus has been rated at its maximum allowable, and service connection is denied for CLL, residuals of myocardial infarction, bilateral hearing loss, OSA (now claimed as secondary to PTSD), and breathing problems (now claimed as COPD).
- Claimed conditions
- tinnitus, chronic lymphocytic leukemia (CLL), residuals of myocardial infarction, bilateral hearing loss, obstructive sleep apnea (OSA), breathing problems (now claimed as COPD)
- How they argued it
- Secondary to another service-connected condition
- Exposure basis
- Burn pits / airborne hazards
- Rating assigned
- None in this decision
- Decision date
- February 22, 2021
- Citation
- 21009550
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 21009550.
What this means for you
A remand is not a loss. The Board sent the case back for more development — often a new exam or missing records — before making a final decision. Many remands later end in a grant, and the decision spells out exactly what the Board wanted to see.
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.
- 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.
- 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.
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