The Board granted service connection for tinnitus, resolving reasonable doubt in favor of the Veteran based on his credible and competent statements regarding the onset and post-service continuity of the symptomatology diagnosed as tinnitus.
The deciding factor: The probative value of the medical opinion was limited due to its reliance on the lack of evidence demonstrating in-service cochlear damage, without addressing the lay reports or providing a medical explanation for why they were not considered. The Veteran's credible and competent statements established the onset and post-service continuity of tinnitus.
- Claimed conditions
- tinnitus
- How they argued it
- Direct service connection
- Exposure basis
- None
- Rating assigned
- 100%
- Decision date
- December 18, 2025
- Citation
- A25109534
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