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 assigned
- None in this 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. Look up the original decision on VA.gov (opens in a new tab) using citation A23037486.
What this means for you
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What you can do next
Related decisions
Other Board decisions on a similar condition or argued the same way.
- Remanded (sent back)
The Veteran's right shoulder disability and migraines/chronic headaches are remanded for additional development due to insufficient opinions on the etiology of her conditions.
- Granted
The Board has determined that the Veteran's headaches are at least as likely as not caused by his service-connected traumatic brain injury, and thus grants service connection for this condition.
- 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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