The Veteran's claims for service connection for a left knee disability, thoracolumbar spine disability, tinnitus, squamous cell carcinoma of the soft palate and tongue, and left shoulder osteoarthritis and impingement syndrome have been readjudicated. The claims for left knee disability and left shoulder osteoarthritis and impingement syndrome are granted, while those for thoracolumbar spine disability, tinnitus, and squamous cell carcinoma of the soft palate and tongue remain denied.
The deciding factor: The Veteran's preexisting left knee condition was not aggravated by service. The evidence does not support a finding that his current thoracolumbar spine disability began during service or is otherwise related to an in-service injury or disease. His tinnitus did not manifest within the applicable presumptive period and continuity of symptomatology is not established. Service connection for squamous cell carcinoma of the soft palate and tongue cannot be granted as it does not fall under the scope of the regulation granting presumptive service connection based on herbicide agent exposure.
- Claimed conditions
- left knee disability, thoracolumbar spine disability, tinnitus, squamous cell carcinoma of the soft palate and tongue, left shoulder osteoarthritis and impingement syndrome
- How they argued it
- Not specified
- Exposure basis
- None
- Rating assigned
- None in this decision
- Decision date
- March 25, 2024
- Citation
- A24013857
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 A24013857.
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 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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