The Veteran's tinnitus had its onset during service and has continued to the present, warranting service connection.,There is no current evidence of right ear hearing loss meeting VA criteria for a disability. The Veteran's hearing was tested in September 2015, which did not meet the criteria for a hearing loss disability as defined by VA regulations.,The Veteran has not presented evidence of a current diagnosis of epididymitis during the period on appeal. His service treatment records indicate several instances of treatment for epididymitis and testicular pain during service, but his separation examination in March 1999 indicated a clinically normal genitourinary system.,The Veteran's testimony regarding migraine headaches was not examined or addressed in this decision.,The Veteran's testimony regarding obstructive sleep apnea was not examined or addressed in this decision.
The deciding factor: Service connection for tinnitus is granted as the evidence supports a finding that the Veteran's tinnitus had its onset during service and has continued to the present. The September 2015 VA medical opinion did not provide a known etiology for the Veteran's tinnitus, and the Board finds his testimony credible regarding the onset of tinnitus during service.,Service connection for right ear hearing loss is denied as there is no current evidence of a disability meeting VA criteria for a hearing loss disability. The September 2015 audiometric results did not meet the criteria for a hearing loss disability as defined by VA regulations.,Service connection for epididymitis is denied as there is no current evidence of a diagnosis during the period on appeal. The Veteran's service treatment records indicate several instances of treatment for epididymitis and testicular pain during service, but his separation examination in March 1999 indicated a clinically normal genitourinary system.,Service connection for migraine headaches and obstructive sleep apnea is remanded as the evidence does not provide sufficient information to determine their existence or relationship to service. The Veteran's testimony regarding these conditions was not examined or addressed in this decision.
- Claimed conditions
- tinnitus, right ear hearing loss, epididymitis, migraine headaches, obstructive sleep apnea
- How they argued it
- Direct service connection
- Exposure basis
- None
- Rating assigned
- None in this decision
- Decision date
- December 15, 2023
- Citation
- A23036101
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 A23036101.
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.
- Remanded (sent back)
The Board has remanded the claims for bilateral hearing loss, migraine headaches, and PTSD due to additional development of records and examination.
- 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.
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