Service connection is granted for bilateral hearing loss, tinnitus, diabetes mellitus, bilateral leg lymphedema, and an acquired psychiatric condition.,The Veteran's bilateral hearing loss and tinnitus are found to be related to in-service noise exposure. Diabetes mellitus is service-connected due to presumed exposure to Agent Orange during service. Bilateral leg lymphedema is secondary to the now service-connected diabetes mellitus. The Veteran's acquired psychiatric condition, diagnosed as adjustment disorder with mixed anxiety and depression, is also service-connected.,The Veteran served in Vietnam and has a history of mental health issues that predate his discharge from military service.
The deciding factor: The medical evidence supports the conclusion that the Veteran's current hearing loss and tinnitus are related to his in-service noise exposure. Diabetes mellitus is presumed due to Agent Orange exposure, and bilateral leg lymphedema is secondary to diabetes mellitus.,The acquired psychiatric condition was diagnosed as adjustment disorder with mixed anxiety and depression, which is service-connected based on the Veteran's reported stressors during service.
- Claimed conditions
- bilateral hearing loss, tinnitus, diabetes mellitus, bilateral leg lymphedema, an acquired psychiatric condition
- How they argued it
- Presumptive (no nexus needed)
- Exposure basis
- Agent Orange / herbicides
- Rating assigned
- None in this decision
- Decision date
- February 6, 2026
- Citation
- A26011587
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 A26011587.
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.
Free starter guide for your own claim
Reading this because you were denied or under-rated? Get the plain-English next steps — your appeal options, the deadline that protects you, and how appeals like yours turn out. One email, no spam.
We will only use this to send the guide. No spam, unsubscribe any time. We never sell your information.
We are not the VA. Veterans’ Rights is an independent resource built for veterans. We are not the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs, not part of the government, and not endorsed by any government agency.
This is general information, not legal advice. For advice about your own situation, talk to a VA-accredited representative — many help for free.