The Board granted service connection for tinnitus and a 30 percent disability rating for GERD with IBS, while dismissing the appeal for service connection for a low back disability.
The deciding factor: The evidence supported direct service connection for tinnitus due to in-service acoustic trauma. The GERD with IBS warranted a 30 percent rating based on severe irritable colon syndrome symptoms. The low back issue was rendered moot by a previous grant of service connection.
- Claimed conditions
- tinnitus, low back disability (thoracic spine strain, lumbosacral strain, degenerative arthritis), gastroesophageal reflux disease with irritable bowel syndrome (GERD with IBS)
- How they argued it
- Direct service connection
- Exposure basis
- None
- Rating assigned
- 30%
- Decision date
- January 23, 2024
- Citation
- 24003356
What this means for you
A partial grant means some issues were granted while others were denied or remanded — common in multi-issue claims. Look at which issues went which way, and how each was argued.
What you can do next
Related decisions
Other Board decisions on a similar condition or argued the same way.
- Remanded (sent back)
The Board remands the claim for service connection for tinnitus to correct a duty to assist error, as the Veteran's lay statements regarding onset and continuity of symptoms were not adequately considered in the previous decision.
- Granted
The Board granted service connection for lumbosacral strain, finding that the Veteran's low back injury occurred during a period of active duty for training (ADT) and continued therefrom.
- Dismissed
The Veteran withdrew the appeals for service connection for bilateral pes planus, obstructive sleep apnea, bilateral hearing loss, tinnitus, and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD).
- Denied
The Board denied service connection for tinnitus, cubital tunnel syndrome, right plantar fasciitis, and a right knee disability due to the lack of evidence supporting a nexus between these conditions and the Veteran's military service.
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