The Board has granted service connection for tinnitus on a presumptive basis due to in-service acoustic trauma and the current disability manifested within one year of separation. Service connection for obstructive sleep apnea as aggravated by the service-connected depressive disorder is also granted.
The deciding factor: The evidence shows that the Veteran experienced acoustic trauma during service, which resulted in tinnitus. The Board found that the current diagnosis of tinnitus met the criteria for presumptive service connection due to chronic disease under 38 C.F.R. § 3.303(b). For obstructive sleep apnea, the Board determined there was a secondary aggravation relationship with the service-connected depressive disorder.
- Claimed conditions
- tinnitus, obstructive sleep apnea
- How they argued it
- Presumptive (no nexus needed)
- Exposure basis
- None
- Rating assigned
- 10%
- Decision date
- September 6, 2024
- Citation
- A24053613
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 A24053613.
What this means for you
A grant means the Board agreed the veteran was entitled to the benefit. Decisions like this show the kind of evidence and arguments that tend to succeed for claims like it.
What you can do next
Related decisions
Other Board decisions on a similar condition or argued the same way.
- 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.
- Denied
The Board denied the Veteran's claim for service connection for obstructive sleep apnea, finding that there is no competent evidence to support a finding that his current condition began in or as a result of service.
- Granted
The Veteran's tinnitus is granted as service connected. The issues of foot disability and cardiovascular disorder are remanded for additional development.
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