The Board denied service connection for tinnitus but granted it based on the evidence of record. The claims for mechanical lower back pain and left knee, status post meniscus tear, as secondary to right knee strain were remanded due to deficiencies in the VA examinations.
The deciding factor: The April 1, 2021 VA examiner's opinion supported by the evidence of record was given probative weight. The mechanical lower back pain and left knee conditions required further examination to address causation and aggravation.
- Claimed conditions
- tinnitus, mechanical lower back pain (secondary to right knee strain status post meniscal tear), left knee, status post meniscus tear (secondary to right knee strain status post meniscal tear)
- How they argued it
- Direct service connection
- Exposure basis
- None
- Rating assigned
- None in this decision
- Decision date
- June 25, 2025
- Citation
- A25054758
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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