The Veteran's tinnitus and bilateral hearing loss claims are denied as there is no evidence of a current disability or in-service incurrence.,The Veteran's back disorder claim is remanded for further examination and opinion due to the absence of an adequate VA examination prior to the rating decision.
The deciding factor: There is no competent medical evidence showing that the Veteran currently has tinnitus or bilateral hearing loss, which are required elements for service connection under VA regulations. The Veteran's statements about her symptoms do not meet the threshold criteria outlined in 38 C.F.R. § 3.385.,The Veteran's back disorder claim is remanded because she did not undergo a VA examination to determine whether her current back disorder had its onset during service or if it was related to any incident of service, as required by the duty to assist.
- Claimed conditions
- tinnitus, bilateral hearing loss, back disorder, acquired psychiatric disorder (including GAD, PTSD, and depression)
- How they argued it
- Direct service connection
- Exposure basis
- None
- Rating assigned
- None in this decision
- Decision date
- May 30, 2024
- Citation
- A24028112
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 A24028112.
What this means for you
A remand is not a loss. The Board sent the case back for more development — often a new exam or missing records — before making a final decision. Many remands later end in a grant, and the decision spells out exactly what the Board wanted to see.
What you can do next
Related decisions
Other Board decisions on a similar condition or argued the same way.
- 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.
- Remanded (sent back)
The Board has remanded the case due to the need for additional development, including obtaining SSA records and providing proper notice regarding secondary service connection.
- 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.
- 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.
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