The Veteran's claim for service connection for tinnitus was granted, while claims for service connection for a neck disability, left ankle disability, bilateral shin splints, and left toe disability were denied. Several other issues related to service connection were remanded.
The deciding factor: The Board found credible the Veteran's lay testimony regarding the onset of his tinnitus during military service and granted service connection based on this evidence. Other claims for service connection were denied due to a lack of competent evidence showing current disabilities or a link to service.
- Claimed conditions
- tinnitus, neck disability, left ankle disability, bilateral shin splints, left toe disability
- How they argued it
- Direct service connection
- Exposure basis
- None
- Rating assigned
- 100%
- Decision date
- January 7, 2022
- Citation
- 22000998
What this means for you
A partial grant means some issues were granted while others were denied or remanded — common in multi-issue claims. Look at which issues went which way, and how each was argued.
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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