The Board denied a rating in excess of 40 percent for bilateral hearing loss and a rating in excess of 10 percent for tinnitus. The claims for service connection for various disabilities, including psychiatric conditions, lumbosacral spine disability, sleep apnea, pulmonary disease, esophageal issues, ulcers, intestinal problems, thyroid disorders, vertigo, headaches, TDIU, and special monthly compensation were remanded.
The deciding factor: The Board found that the evidence did not support a rating in excess of 40 percent for bilateral hearing loss or 10 percent for tinnitus. The claims for service connection required further development due to deficiencies in the medical opinions provided.
- Claimed conditions
- depression, anxiety disorder, lumbosacral strain, obstructive sleep apnea, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD), ulcer disability, intestinal disability, irritable bowel syndrome (IBS), thyroid disability, hyperparathyroidism, vertigo, tension headaches
- How they argued it
- Direct service connection
- Exposure basis
- None
- Rating assigned
- None in this decision
- Decision date
- March 18, 2025
- Citation
- A25025093
What this means for you
A remand is not a loss. The Board sent the case back for more development — often a new exam or missing records — before making a final decision. Many remands later end in a grant, and the decision spells out exactly what the Board wanted to see.
What you can do next
Related decisions
Other Board decisions on a similar condition or argued the same way.
- Granted
The Board granted service connection for obstructive sleep apnea, effective from the date of the February 2025 rating decision.
- Remanded (sent back)
The Board remands the claim for service connection for an acquired psychiatric disorder to ensure a proper examination and etiology opinion are provided.
- Dismissed
The Veteran withdrew his appeals for service connection for gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) and pernicious anemia, and the Board dismissed both appeals.
- Granted
The Board granted service connection for lumbosacral strain, finding that the Veteran's low back injury occurred during a period of active duty for training (ADT) and continued therefrom.
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