The Board has granted service connection for left ear hearing loss, finding that the Veteran's current condition is at least as likely as not related to in-service acoustic trauma. However, right ear hearing loss and tinnitus have been denied due to a lack of evidence showing a current disability.,There is no persuasive evidence demonstrating a current diagnosis or manifestation of right ear hearing loss or tinnitus within the context of VA regulations.
The deciding factor: The Board found that while the Veteran was exposed to noise during service, there is insufficient evidence to establish a current disability for right ear hearing loss and tinnitus. The absence of audiometric findings meeting VA criteria for sensorineural hearing loss in the right ear and the lack of medical diagnosis of these conditions post-service are key factors.,For tinnitus specifically, the Board noted that while the Veteran reported recurrent tinnitus since 2007, which is after his separation from service, there was no evidence linking this condition to noise exposure during service. The opinion provided by Dr. G., attributing tinnitus to Meniere's disease rather than noise exposure, further supports this conclusion.
- Claimed conditions
- left ear hearing loss, tinnitus
- How they argued it
- Direct service connection
- Exposure basis
- None
- Rating assigned
- None in this decision
- Decision date
- February 6, 2024
- Citation
- 24006384
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 24006384.
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.
- 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.
- Granted
The Board has granted service connection for tinnitus, finding that it is at least as likely as not that the Veteran experienced tinnitus during his active duty service.
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