The Board granted service connection for tinnitus, finding that the evidence demonstrated its onset during active service and has been chronic since then. Other claims were remanded for further development.
The deciding factor: The Veteran's statements regarding in-service noise exposure and his reported symptoms of tinnitus were found to be highly competent, credible, and probative, leading to a favorable decision on this issue.
- Claimed conditions
- tinnitus, posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD), persistent depressive disorder with anxiety disturbance, obstructive sleep apnea (OSA), sinusitis, asthma, thoracolumbar spine disorder, claimed as a back condition, gallstones as secondary to a psychiatric disorder, including PTSD, residual scars as secondary to gallstones, irritable bowel syndrome as secondary to a psychiatric disorder, including PTSD and/or gallstones, left knee disorder
- How they argued it
- Direct service connection
- Exposure basis
- None
- Rating assigned
- 100%
- Decision date
- April 16, 2025
- Citation
- A25035219
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.
- Partly granted
The Veteran was granted a 70 percent initial disability rating for PTSD effective December 2, 2021, but the claim for an increased rating in excess of 70 percent was denied. The appeal also included claims for service connection and ratings for various conditions, some of which were granted while others were remanded.
- 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.
We are not the VA. Veterans’ Rights is an independent resource built for veterans. We are not the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs, not part of the government, and not endorsed by any government agency.
This is general information, not legal advice. For advice about your own situation, talk to a VA-accredited representative — many help for free.