The Veteran's bilateral hearing loss is not service-connected as there was no evidence of a current disability during the appeal period.,Service connection for tinnitus has been granted, with the opinion that it is less likely than not related to in-service noise exposure. The Veteran reported experiencing constant ringing in his ears since 1990 and provided credible statements supporting this claim.,The pre-existing bilateral pes planus was aggravated by service as evidenced by worsening symptoms during service.
The deciding factor: Service connection for tinnitus is granted based on the Veteran's competent and credible reports of experiencing constant ringing in his ears since service, with no evidence of noise exposure-related aggravation.
- Claimed conditions
- bilateral hearing loss, tinnitus, bilateral pes planus
- How they argued it
- Aggravation of a pre-existing condition
- Exposure basis
- None
- Rating assigned
- None in this decision
- Decision date
- July 14, 2023
- Citation
- 23039169
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 23039169.
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.
- 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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