The Veteran was granted service connection for tinnitus, bilateral hearing loss, lumbar spine degenerative disc disease, and peripheral neuropathy of the left and right upper extremities.,Service connection was established for these conditions based on a direct relationship to active duty service.
The deciding factor: The VA examiners provided negative nexus opinions regarding the tinnitus and bilateral hearing loss, but the Veteran's lay statements were found credible. For lumbar spine degenerative disc disease, the examiner acknowledged in-service complaints of back pain but concluded that it was less likely than not related to service due to normal findings at separation. The peripheral neuropathy diagnoses were established based on medical evidence.
- Claimed conditions
- Bilateral Hearing Loss, Tinnitus, Lumbar Spine Degenerative Disc Disease (lumbar disability), Peripheral Neuropathy of the Left Upper Extremity, Peripheral Neuropathy of the Right Upper Extremity
- How they argued it
- Direct service connection
- Exposure basis
- None
- Rating
- Not verified here — check the original decision
- Decision date
- April 16, 2024
- Citation
- A24018978
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 A24018978.
What this means for you
A grant means the Board allowed the benefit or issue identified in this decision. Review the original order: other issues in the same appeal may have a different outcome, and this decision does not predict another claim.
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: Denied
The Board denied service connection for bilateral hearing loss and tinnitus, finding that the Veteran's current conditions are not related to his military service.
- Whole decision: Granted
The Veteran's bilateral hearing loss is granted as service-connected. The claims for alcohol abuse and psychiatric disorder are remanded for additional development, including a VA examination to determine the nature and etiology of these conditions.
- Whole decision: Remanded (sent back)
The Board has decided to remand the case due to a need for a new VA examination to assess the current severity of the Veteran's bilateral hearing loss. The issue remains under direct service connection theory.
- Whole decision: Denied
The Veteran's hearing loss was rated at 30 percent, the highest non-compensable rating available. The Board found that his hearing loss did not warrant a higher rating based on VA examinations and medical records.
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