The Veteran's claim for service connection for tinnitus is granted. The Board finds the Veteran's report of noise exposure during service consistent with his DD214, and acknowledges that he has indicated a continuity of symptomatology from service to present. However, the Board also notes that there are no service treatment records documenting any relevant complaints or diagnoses of tinnitus. The Veteran was provided an addendum opinion on remand regarding the etiology of his lumbar spine disability due to carrying heavy protective gear during service.
The deciding factor: The Veteran's report of noise exposure during service is consistent with his DD214, and he has indicated a continuity of symptomatology from service to present. However, there are no service treatment records documenting any relevant complaints or diagnoses of tinnitus.
- Claimed conditions
- tinnitus, lumbar spine disability, cervical spine disability, right ankle disability, right knee disability, patellofemoral pain syndrome of the left knee
- How they argued it
- Direct service connection
- Exposure basis
- None
- Rating assigned
- None in this decision
- Decision date
- December 26, 2023
- Citation
- 23067474
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 23067474.
What this means for you
A remand sends an issue back for more development, often a new examination or missing records. It does not award the benefit or decide the final outcome. The original decision explains the additional work ordered.
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 appeal is remanded for additional development, including a new VA examination to assess his bilateral knee and hip disabilities.
- 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.
- Granted
The Veteran's tinnitus is granted as service connected. The issues of foot disability and cardiovascular disorder are remanded for additional development.
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