The Board denied the Veteran's claims for earlier effective dates and increased ratings, finding no basis to assign an earlier date or a higher rating based on the evidence of record.
The deciding factor: The decision was based on the lack of any communication prior to August 28, 2016 that could be considered a claim for benefits, and the statutory requirement that the effective date is the later of the date of receipt of the claim or the date entitlement arose.
- Claimed conditions
- tinnitus, bilateral hearing loss, right ankle scar
- How they argued it
- Direct service connection
- Exposure basis
- None
- Rating assigned
- None in this decision
- Decision date
- October 24, 2024
- Citation
- A24068605
What this means for you
A denial is a starting point, not the end of the road. You can see why this claim fell short — and, if you are still inside the one-year window, the appeal lanes that may remain open to you.
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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This is general information, not legal advice. For advice about your own situation, talk to a VA-accredited representative — many help for free.