The Veteran's appeal for service connection for bilateral hearing loss is dismissed as the AOJ has already granted it. The Board found in favor of tinnitus, finding that it is at least as likely as not related to in-service hazardous noise exposure. However, the evidence does not support a finding that a-fib began during active service or is otherwise related to an in-service injury or disease.
The deciding factor: The Veteran's current tinnitus was found to be related to in-service hazardous noise exposure based on medical literature and the Veteran's report of hearing voices followed by ringing. The evidence did not support a finding that a-fib began during active service or is otherwise related to an in-service injury or disease.
- Claimed conditions
- bilateral hearing loss, tinnitus, atriial fibrillation (a-fib)
- How they argued it
- Direct service connection
- Exposure basis
- None
- Rating assigned
- None in this decision
- Decision date
- August 28, 2024
- Citation
- A24050625
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 A24050625.
What this means for you
A dismissal means the Board did not decide the issue on its merits — usually because it was withdrawn or had become moot. It says more about procedure than about whether a claim like this can win.
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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