The Board denied service connection for hearing loss and remanded the claims for tinnitus, facial scars, right shoulder condition, left shoulder condition, GERD, and irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) for further development.
The deciding factor: The evidence does not support a finding of hearing loss under the strict requirements of 38 C.F.R. § 3.385. The June 2024 VA opinion regarding tinnitus was found inadequate, and additional evidence is needed to determine its etiology. For the other claims, the Board determined that further development is necessary due to pre-decisional duty to assist errors.
- Claimed conditions
- hearing loss, tinnitus, facial scars, right shoulder condition, left shoulder condition, gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD), irritable bowel syndrome (IBS)
- How they argued it
- Direct service connection
- Exposure basis
- None
- Rating assigned
- None in this decision
- Decision date
- December 19, 2025
- Citation
- A25109607
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