The Board granted service-connection for bilateral hearing loss and tinnitus, secondary to the now service-connected bilateral hearing loss. The claim for major depressive disorder was remanded.
The deciding factor: The evidence is in approximate balance as to whether the Veteran's bilateral hearing loss is related to his active military service, thus resolving reasonable doubt in favor of the Veteran, the Board finds that service-connection for bilateral hearing loss is warranted. Additionally, tinnitus is proximately due to the now service-connected bilateral hearing loss.
- Claimed conditions
- bilateral hearing loss, tinnitus, major depressive disorder
- How they argued it
- Direct service connection
- Exposure basis
- None
- Rating assigned
- 100%
- Decision date
- March 28, 2025
- Citation
- A25029086
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 claim for an earlier effective date for service connection for major depressive disorder is dismissed as moot because the earliest effective date was granted during the pendency of this appeal.
- 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.
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