The Veteran's right ear hearing loss is denied as there was no evidence of a current disability.,Left ear hearing loss is granted, with the condition being service-connected due to exposure during active duty and worsening over time.,Service connection for reflux esophagitis with hiatal hernia is granted based on symptoms that began in-service and continue post-service.,Service connection for stenosis of the cervical spine is granted as it was likely caused by service, including combat duties.,Degenerative disc disease of the lumbar spine is granted due to continuity of symptomatology since service.,Chronic fatigue syndrome is granted based on symptoms that began in-service and continue post-service.
The deciding factor: The Veteran's right ear hearing loss did not meet VA disability criteria as evidenced by audiometric results showing no threshold shift greater than 40 decibels at any frequency tested, nor a speech recognition score below 94 percent.,Left ear hearing loss was service-connected due to pre-existing conditions noted upon entry into service and subsequent worsening during active duty. The Veteran's symptoms were not solely caused by service but also influenced by the natural progression of his condition.,The Veteran's reflux esophagitis with hiatal hernia is considered a Gulf War-related disability, as evidenced by Southwest Asia Service Medal and related medical records.,Cervical spine stenosis was granted based on continuity of symptoms since service and the Veteran's testimony regarding in-service pain management. The VA did not provide an examination to contradict these findings.,Degenerative disc disease of the lumbar spine is considered a chronic condition that began during service, as evidenced by the Veteran's testimony about persistent back pain and its impact on daily life.,Chronic fatigue syndrome was granted based on symptoms that started in-service and continued post-service.
- Claimed conditions
- right ear hearing loss, left ear hearing loss, reflux esophagitis with hiatal hernia, stenosis of the cervical spine, degenerative disc disease of the lumbar spine, chronic fatigue syndrome
- How they argued it
- Direct service connection
- Exposure basis
- None
- Rating assigned
- None in this decision
- Decision date
- April 2, 2026
- Citation
- A26030134
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 A26030134.
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.
- Partly granted
The Board has not made a final determination on the claims of service connection for inguinal hernia, PTSD, joint pain, fibromyalgia, left knee disability, right knee disability, tinnitus, chronic fatigue syndrome, respiratory disability, sleep disorder, IBS, and headaches. The claims are remanded to obtain additional evidence and determine if these conditions are related to service.
- Denied
The Veteran's claim for an initial compensable disability rating for onychomycosis was denied as the condition did not require treatment and covered less than 5% of his body. The Board also remanded issues regarding service connection for left ear hearing loss and entitlement to a compensable disability rating for right ear hearing loss.
- Granted
The Board has reopened the Veteran's claims of service connection for a back disability, endometriosis, thyroid condition, and chronic fatigue syndrome due to new evidence submitted since the last final denial. The claims are now considered on their merits.
- Dismissed
The Veteran withdrew his appeal for service connection of right ear hearing loss, and the case is dismissed.
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