The Veteran's bilateral tinnitus is granted as service-connected due to in-service exposure and no intercurrent causes. The Veteran is not entitled to a compensable disability rating for hypothyroidism, GERD, sinusitis, migraine headaches, left little finger condition, or left hand scar.,The Veteran's right ankle condition, right ankle lateral reconstructive surgery, lumbar spine degenerative disc disease, and PTSD are all remanded as the evidence is insufficient to make a determination on these issues.
The deciding factor: Service connection for bilateral tinnitus was granted based on the combat presumption due to in-service exposure. The Veteran's current symptoms align with the presumptive service connection criteria.,The Veteran's hypothyroidism does not meet the criteria for a compensable rating as there is no evidence of myxedema or other disabling effects.
- Claimed conditions
- Bilateral Tinnitus, Hypothyroidism, Gastroesophageal Reflux Disease (GERD), Sinusitis, Migraine Headaches, Left Little Finger Condition, Including Swan Neck Deformity, Left Hand Scar
- How they argued it
- Direct service connection
- Exposure basis
- None
- Rating assigned
- None in this decision
- Decision date
- April 22, 2024
- Citation
- 24017066
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 24017066.
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.
- Granted
The Veteran's 50% disability rating for migraine headaches was restored as the evidence did not show actual improvement in his ability to function under ordinary conditions of life and work.
- Granted
The Veteran's acquired psychiatric disorder is granted a 70% rating, effective July 15, 2024. The Veteran's GERD remains at a 10% rating.
- Granted
The Veteran's PTSD is granted at a 70 percent rating prior to July 29, 2024. The GERD rating remains at 30 percent disabled but no higher.
- Remanded (sent back)
The Veteran's IBS with GERD was granted an initial 60 percent rating. The Board has remanded the issue of service connection for obstructive sleep apnea due to insufficient medical opinions and development.
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