The Board denied the claims for an increased rating for tinnitus and service connection for bilateral hearing loss, metatarsalgia, left elbow lateral epicondylitis, left knee strain, right knee strain, and lumbosacral strain. The claims for service connection were remanded due to missing records.
The deciding factor: The evidence did not support the Veteran's claims as there was no current disability of hearing loss, and the tinnitus symptoms were fully contemplated by the maximum rating assigned.
- Claimed conditions
- tinnitus, bilateral hearing loss, bilateral metatarsalgia (feet pain), left elbow lateral epicondylitis, left knee strain, right knee strain, lumbosacral strain (back pain)
- How they argued it
- Direct service connection
- Exposure basis
- None
- Rating assigned
- None in this decision
- Decision date
- April 15, 2025
- Citation
- A25034406
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.
- Granted
The Board granted service connection for left knee strain, right knee strain, right wrist strain, and TBI. The Veteran's PTSD rating was remanded for further development.
- 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.
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