The Veteran's claim for service connection for bilateral hearing loss was denied due to failure to appear for a VA examination. The claim for tinnitus was granted as the Veteran reported experiencing symptoms during and after service. The Veteran's post vagotomy gastric surgery syndrome with pyloroplasty, duodenal ulcer and IBS was evaluated at 40 percent, which is the maximum rating available under Diagnostic Code 7348.
The deciding factor: The Veteran failed to appear for a VA examination scheduled in conjunction with his supplemental claim of entitlement to service connection for bilateral hearing loss. The Board found that the Veteran's tinnitus began during service and has continued to the present, granting service connection for this condition. For the post vagotomy gastric surgery syndrome with pyloroplasty, duodenal ulcer and IBS, the maximum 40 percent rating is assigned as it reflects the predominant disability picture.
- Claimed conditions
- bilateral hearing loss, tinnitus, post vagotomy gastric surgery syndrome with pyloroplasty, duodenal ulcer and irritable bowel syndrome (IBS)
- How they argued it
- Direct service connection
- Exposure basis
- None
- Rating assigned
- 40%
- Decision date
- February 20, 2026
- Citation
- A26015788
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 A26015788.
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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