The VA denied an initial evaluation in excess of 10 percent for recurrent tinnitus, as the condition does not meet criteria for a higher rating under the applicable diagnostic code.
The deciding factor: The veteran's tinnitus did not result in frequent hospitalization or interference with employment and has not manifested in an unusual manner not contemplated in the rating criteria.
- Claimed conditions
- Recurrent tinnitus
- How they argued it
- Direct service connection
- Exposure basis
- None
- Rating assigned
- 10%
- Decision date
- July 20, 2004
- Citation
- 0419536
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 0419536.
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.
- Granted
The Board has granted service connection for recurrent tinnitus prior to May 25, 2022, as it is directly related to the Veteran's in-service noise exposure.
- Partly granted
The Board granted service connection for recurrent tinnitus but denied it for bilateral hearing loss.
- Partly granted
The Board granted service connection for recurrent tinnitus, left ankle disability, and left lower ear scar but denied service connection for hair loss. The Board also denied initial compensable ratings for tinea pedis and rhinitis.
- Partly granted
The Board denied service connection for bilateral hearing loss and remanded the claims for recurrent tinnitus, a penile condition, and sleep apnea.
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