The Veteran's claim for service connection for tinnitus is granted as the evidence shows that his current condition likely began during service. However, his claims for bilateral hearing loss, traumatic brain injury, sleep apnea, and cervical degenerative disc and joint disease are denied due to lack of a current disability diagnosis.,There is no current diagnosis of bilateral hearing loss or traumatic brain injury related to service. The Veteran's claim for sleep apnea is also denied as there is insufficient evidence of a current disability. Service connection for cervical degenerative disc and joint disease (claimed as cervical strain) is not granted due to lack of a current condition.,The Veteran's tinnitus claim is supported by his credible statements about the onset and impact of the condition during service, but he does not have a confirmed diagnosis of hearing loss or traumatic brain injury. The Board finds no evidence linking these conditions to service.
The deciding factor: There is insufficient competent medical evidence to establish current disabilities for sleep apnea, bilateral hearing loss, traumatic brain injury, and cervical degenerative disc and joint disease.
- Claimed conditions
- tinnitus, bilateral hearing loss, traumatic brain injury (TBI), sleep apnea, cervical degenerative disc and joint disease (claimed as cervical strain)
- How they argued it
- Direct service connection
- Exposure basis
- None
- Rating assigned
- None in this decision
- Decision date
- August 3, 2024
- Citation
- A24043345
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 A24043345.
What this means for you
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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.
- 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.
- 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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