The Board granted service connection for tinnitus, but remanded the claims for bilateral hearing loss and a total disability rating based on individual unemployability (TDIU) due to deficiencies in VA medical opinions.
The deciding factor: The November 2022 and February 2023 VA opinions did not adequately address the Veteran's reported onset of tinnitus during service, leading to low probative weight. The Board found that the evidence was in equipoise as to whether the Veteran experienced tinnitus symptoms during and since service.
- Claimed conditions
- tinnitus
- How they argued it
- Presumptive (no nexus needed)
- Exposure basis
- None
- Rating assigned
- 100%
- Decision date
- June 5, 2025
- Citation
- 25007606
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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