The Board granted service connection for bilateral tinnitus and an initial 70 percent rating, but not higher, for persistent depressive disorder with anxious distress. Other claims were denied or remanded.

The deciding factor: The probative evidence showed continuous symptoms of tinnitus since service, supporting a direct link to service. The other claims were denied due to insufficient evidence linking the conditions to service or showing worsening beyond natural progression.

Claimed conditions

Bilateral tinnitus, Left forehead scar, Chronic sinusitis, Allergic rhinitis, Metastatic melanoma to abdomen scar (Diagnostic Code 7804), Metastatic melanoma to abdomen scar (Diagnostic Code 7802), Superficial, non-linear left lower extremity scars, Left foot metatarsalgia, Right hip strain (Diagnostic Code 5251), Right hip strain (Diagnostic Code 5252), Right hip strain (Diagnostic Code 5253), Left knee patellofemoral pain syndrome, Right knee patellofemoral pain syndrome, Right ankle sprain, Left lower extremity lymphedema (external cutaneous nerve), Left lower extremity lymphedema (femoral nerve), Left lower extremity lymphedema (sciatic nerve), Persistent depressive disorder with anxious distress

How they argued it

Direct service connection

Exposure basis

None

Rating assigned

None in this decision

Decision date

November 25, 2025

Citation

A25102072

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