Service connection is granted for tinnitus, but denied for bilateral hearing loss. Effective dates are granted for service connection of right and left tibial stress fractures and shin splints back to February 1, 2018.
The deciding factor: The Veteran's tinnitus was linked to military noise exposure during service, meeting the criteria for direct service connection. Bilateral hearing loss did not meet VA disability criteria at separation or in the current appeal period. Effective dates were granted based on receipt of formal claims within one year of Intent to File submissions.
- Claimed conditions
- tinnitus, bilateral hearing loss, right tibial stress fracture and shin splints, left tibial stress fracture and shin splints
- How they argued it
- Direct service connection
- Exposure basis
- None
- Rating assigned
- 10%
- Decision date
- January 28, 2026
- Citation
- A26007744
This is a plain-language summary generated by AI from a public Board of Veterans’ Appeals decision. It can contain errors — always verify against the original. Look up the original decision on VA.gov (opens in a new tab) using citation A26007744.
What this means for you
A grant means the Board agreed the veteran was entitled to the benefit. Decisions like this show the kind of evidence and arguments that tend to succeed for claims like it.
What you can do next
Related decisions
Other Board decisions on a similar condition or argued the same way.
- Dismissed
The Veteran's appeal for service connection of bilateral hearing loss and a ruptured right ear drum was dismissed due to the death of the Veteran.
- Denied
The Board found that the Veteran's bilateral hearing loss was noted upon entry into active duty service and did not increase in severity during service. Therefore, it denied his claim for service connection.
- Remanded (sent back)
The Board has remanded the claims for service connection for hearing loss, tinnitus, and an acquired psychiatric disorder due to incomplete medical records and need for further examination.
- Denied
The Board denied the Veteran's claims for service connection for tinnitus, arthritis, and memory loss. The decision found no evidence linking these conditions to his military service.
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