The appeal for service connection for tinnitus was dismissed, and the claims for service connection for bilateral hearing loss, right shoulder strain, left shoulder strain, back injury, cervical strain, hypothyroidism, visual impairment of the right eye, visual impairment of the left eye, and irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) were remanded.

The deciding factor: The evidence did not show a current disability for VA purposes in the case of bilateral hearing loss. For other conditions, there was a pre-decisional duty to assist error as no adequate examination was conducted prior to the rating decision on appeal.

Claimed conditions

tinnitus, bilateral hearing loss, right shoulder strain, left shoulder strain, back injury, cervical strain, hypothyroidism, visual impairment of the right eye, visual impairment of the left eye, irritable bowel syndrome (IBS)

How they argued it

Direct service connection

Exposure basis

None

Rating assigned

None in this decision

Decision date

October 20, 2025

Citation

A25090261

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