The Veteran's claim for service connection for tinnitus is granted. The claims for increased ratings for PTSD, OSA to include asthma, IBS with GERD status post Boerhaave syndrome with scar and s/p cholecystectomy, and chronic lumbar syndrome with degeneration of L5-S1 and anterolisthesis at L5 are all denied.
The deciding factor: The Veteran's tinnitus is service-connected due to in-service noise exposure. The increased ratings for PTSD, OSA, IBS, and chronic lumbar syndrome were not granted as the symptoms did not meet the criteria for a higher rating under VA's disability evaluation guidelines.
- Claimed conditions
- tinnitus, posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD), obstructive sleep apnea (OSA), irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) with gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) status post Boerhaave syndrome with scar and s/p cholecystectomy, chronic lumbar syndrome with degeneration of L5-S1 and anterolisthesis at L5
- How they argued it
- Direct service connection
- Exposure basis
- None
- Rating assigned
- 0%
- Decision date
- April 7, 2026
- Citation
- A26031491
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 A26031491.
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.
- 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.
- Remanded (sent back)
The Board has remanded the case due to insufficient evidence regarding the Veteran's acquired psychiatric disorders, including bipolar disorder and PTSD. The Veteran will be asked to provide additional medical records and undergo a VA 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.
- Remanded (sent back)
The Veteran's claim for service connection for an acquired psychiatric disorder, including PTSD and major depressive disorder, is being remanded due to the need for additional development regarding his alleged stressors.
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