The Board denied service connection for bilateral hearing loss, tinnitus, a back condition including osteoarthritis, degenerative joint disease, degenerative disc disease, spondylolisthesis, intervertebral disc syndrome, and status-post lumbar laminectomy, and degenerative arthritis of the bilateral hands. The evidence did not establish that these conditions were incurred or aggravated by service.
The deciding factor: The Board found no evidence of a current disability for hearing loss or tinnitus during service or within one year post-service, nor was there any evidence linking these disabilities to in-service noise exposure. For the back condition and degenerative arthritis of the bilateral hands, the Board concluded that there was insufficient evidence to establish their onset during service.
- Claimed conditions
- bilateral hearing loss, tinnitus, back condition (including osteoarthritis, degenerative joint disease, degenerative disc disease, spondylolisthesis, intervertebral disc syndrome, and status-post lumbar laminectomy), degenerative arthritis of the bilateral hands
- How they argued it
- Direct service connection
- Exposure basis
- None
- Rating
- Not verified here — check the original decision
- Decision date
- February 19, 2026
- Citation
- A26015089
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. Read the original VA decision (opens in a new tab) using citation A26015089.
What this means for you
A final Board denial may be appealed to the U.S. Court of Appeals for Veterans Claims, generally within 120 days of the Board mailing date. A Supplemental Claim with new and relevant evidence is a separate option. Another Higher-Level Review of the Board decision is not available. Check your own notice: this historical decision does not set your deadline.
What you can do next
Use your own notice and decision stage. A remanded issue is not a final court-appealable denial. VA review guidance and CAVC filing instructions (U.S. federal; reviewed October 7, 2026).
Related decisions
Other Board decisions on a similar condition or argued the same way.
- Whole decision: 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.
- Whole decision: 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.
- Whole decision: 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.
- Whole decision: 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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