The Board denied the veteran's claims for service connection for tinnitus and an increased rating for achalasia with scarring post esophageal surgery, finding that there was no evidence linking the current disabilities to service. The highest disability rating available under VA regulations is 30 percent.
The deciding factor: The medical evidence did not establish a link between the veteran's current tinnitus and achalasia with scarring post esophageal surgery and his military service, nor did it show that these conditions were aggravated by any pre-existing condition. The disability was rated based on its current manifestations rather than its etiology.
- Claimed conditions
- tinnitus, achalasia
- How they argued it
- Direct service connection
- Exposure basis
- None
- Rating assigned
- 30%
- Decision date
- January 27, 2000
- Citation
- 0002077
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 0002077.
What this means for you
A denial is a starting point, not the end of the road. You can see why this claim fell short — and, if you are still inside the one-year window, the appeal lanes that may remain open to you.
What you can do next
Related decisions
Other Board decisions on a similar condition or argued the same way.
- Partly granted
The Board granted service connection for asthma and remanded claims for insomnia and sleep apnea. Other conditions were denied.
- Dismissed
The Veteran withdrew the appeals for service connection for bilateral pes planus, obstructive sleep apnea, bilateral hearing loss, tinnitus, and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD).
- Remanded (sent back)
The Board remands the claim for service connection for tinnitus to correct a duty to assist error, as the Veteran's lay statements regarding onset and continuity of symptoms were not adequately considered in the previous decision.
- Denied
The Board denied service connection for tinnitus, cubital tunnel syndrome, right plantar fasciitis, and a right knee disability due to the lack of evidence supporting a nexus between these conditions and the Veteran's military service.
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