The Veteran's claim for service connection for tinnitus is granted, as the Board finds that her tinnitus had its onset during active duty and is presumed related to noise exposure in service.,The Veteran's claim for service connection for bilateral hearing loss is denied, as she does not have a current disability of bilateral hearing loss as defined by VA regulations.,The Veteran's claim for service connection for breast cancer is remanded, as the Board finds that an adequate medical opinion regarding the etiology of her condition has not been provided.,The Veteran's claim for service connection for a bilateral foot disability (pes planus) is remanded, as the Board finds that an adequate medical opinion regarding the etiology of her condition has not been provided.
The deciding factor: Service connection may be granted if the Veteran can show a current disability, in-service incurrence or aggravation of a disease or injury, and a causal relationship between the current disability and the in-service disease or injury. Tinnitus is presumed related to noise exposure in service.,Bilateral hearing loss requires audiometric testing results meeting specific criteria. The Veteran's test results do not meet these criteria, thus she does not have a current disability of bilateral hearing loss for VA purposes.,The Board finds the medical opinions inadequate as they rely solely on the absence of treatment records in service without considering other factors such as the Veteran's contentions and her statements regarding hazardous environmental conditions and exposures in service.,The Board finds the medical opinions inadequate as they rely solely on the absence of treatment records in service without considering other factors such as the Veteran's contentions and her statements regarding wearing boots and frequent high impact activity in service.
- Claimed conditions
- tinnitus, bilateral hearing loss, breast cancer, bilateral foot disability (pes planus)
- How they argued it
- Presumptive (no nexus needed)
- Exposure basis
- None
- Rating
- Not verified here — check the original decision
- Decision date
- April 16, 2024
- Citation
- A24018891
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 A24018891.
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
Use your own notice and decision stage. A remanded issue is not a final court-appealable denial. VA review guidance and CAVC filing instructions (U.S. federal; reviewed October 7, 2026).
Related decisions
Other Board decisions on a similar condition or argued the same way.
- Whole decision: Dismissed
The Veteran's appeal for service connection of bilateral hearing loss and a ruptured right ear drum was dismissed due to the death of the Veteran.
- Whole decision: Denied
The Board found that the Veteran's bilateral hearing loss was noted upon entry into active duty service and did not increase in severity during service. Therefore, it denied his claim for service connection.
- Whole decision: 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.
- Whole decision: 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.
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