Service connection for tinnitus is granted as the Veteran's reported symptoms are consistent with a current disability and his service history includes exposure to loud sounds from aircraft. Service connection is also granted for bilateral hearing loss due to evidence of noise exposure during service.,Service connection for right shoulder condition is denied as there is no credible evidence linking the condition to service, despite the Veteran's report of injury during service.
The deciding factor: The Board found that the Veteran has a current disability (tinnitus and bilateral hearing loss) and established an in-service event (noise exposure from aircraft). The VA examiner did not consider the Veteran's lay statements regarding noise exposure, leading to an inadequate opinion. Service connection is granted for these conditions.,For right shoulder condition, there was no credible evidence linking the condition to service despite the Veteran's report of injury during service. The Board found that the Veteran's claims file does not contain competent evidence indicating a possible relationship between the current disability and military service.
- Claimed conditions
- tinnitus, right shoulder condition, bilateral hearing loss
- How they argued it
- Direct service connection
- Exposure basis
- None
- Rating assigned
- None in this decision
- Decision date
- February 18, 2026
- Citation
- A26014654
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 A26014654.
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.