The Veteran's claims for tinnitus and left ear hearing loss were denied as there was no evidence of a claim prior to February 24, 2020.,The Veteran's initial compensable evaluation for left ear hearing loss was denied due to the average puretone threshold being at Level II (noncompensable).,Service connection for esophageal disorder and IBS were denied as there is no evidence of a relationship between these conditions and service.,Service connection for a back disability, right shoulder disability, respiratory disorder, and acquired psychiatric disorder were granted.

The deciding factor: The effective dates for tinnitus and left ear hearing loss are not earlier than February 24, 2020 as the Veteran did not submit a claim prior to this date.,The initial compensable evaluation for left ear hearing loss is denied because the average puretone threshold does not meet the criteria for a compensable rating (Level II).,Service connection was denied for esophageal disorder and IBS due to lack of evidence linking these conditions to service or pre-existing disabilities.,Service connection was granted for back disability, right shoulder disability, respiratory disorder, and acquired psychiatric disorder based on the evidence presented.

Claimed conditions

tinnitus, left ear hearing loss, esophageal disorder (GERD and Barrett's esophagus syndrome), irritable bowel syndrome (IBS), back disability, right shoulder disability, right ear hearing loss, respiratory disorder (asthma and bronchitis), acquired psychiatric disorder (depression and substance and nicotine abuse), headaches

How they argued it

Direct service connection

Exposure basis

None

Rating

Not verified here — check the original decision

Decision date

December 28, 2023

Citation

A23037486

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. Read the original VA decision (opens in a new tab) using citation A23037486.