The Board granted earlier effective dates for service connection of tinnitus, bilateral hearing loss, and facial scars secondary to pseudofolliculitis barbae, as well as a higher rating for the 10 percent disability rating for pseudofolliculitis barbae. The claims for increased ratings for right lower extremity radicopathy and low back disability were denied.
The deciding factor: The Board found that the Veteran's symptoms of tinnitus, bilateral hearing loss, facial scars secondary to pseudofolliculitis barbae, and a 10 percent rating for pseudofolliculitis barbae met the criteria for an earlier effective date based on the receipt of his intent to file a claim in December 2020. However, the claims for increased ratings for right lower extremity radicopathy and low back disability did not meet the necessary criteria.
- Claimed conditions
- tinnitus, bilateral hearing loss, facial scars due to pseudofolliculitis barbae, pseudofolliculitis barbae, right lower extremity radiculopathy, low back disability
- How they argued it
- Direct service connection
- Exposure basis
- None
- Rating assigned
- 10%
- Decision date
- October 17, 2024
- Citation
- A24066802
What this means for you
A partial grant means some issues were granted while others were denied or remanded — common in multi-issue claims. Look at which issues went which way, and how each was argued.
What you can do next
Related decisions
Other Board decisions on a similar condition or argued the same way.
- Remanded (sent back)
The Board remands the claim for service connection for tinnitus to correct a duty to assist error, as the Veteran's lay statements regarding onset and continuity of symptoms were not adequately considered in the previous decision.
- Dismissed
The Veteran withdrew the appeals for service connection for bilateral pes planus, obstructive sleep apnea, bilateral hearing loss, tinnitus, and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD).
- Denied
The Board denied service connection for tinnitus, cubital tunnel syndrome, right plantar fasciitis, and a right knee disability due to the lack of evidence supporting a nexus between these conditions and the Veteran's military service.
- Granted
The Board granted an effective date of April 25, 2022, for the award of service connection for tinnitus and a 100 percent initial rating for PTSD with alcohol use disorder.
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