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. Search VA.gov for the original decision (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.
- 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.
- Granted
The Veteran's tinnitus is granted as service connected. The issues of foot disability and cardiovascular disorder are remanded for additional development.
- Granted
The Board has granted service connection for tinnitus, finding that it is at least as likely as not that the Veteran experienced tinnitus during his active duty service.
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