The veteran's low back disability is rated at 20 percent prior to February 23, 2004 and at 40 percent from that date. His tinnitus is rated at the maximum schedular rating of 10 percent. The left ring finger fracture residuals are rated at noncompensable, as is his left tympanic membrane perforation.
The deciding factor: The veteran's low back disability was found to be manifested by moderate limitation of motion from May 10, 2000 and beyond, warranting a 40 percent rating. His tinnitus met the schedular criteria for a maximum 10 percent rating. The left ring finger fracture residuals were rated noncompensable as they did not show any functional loss or amputation. Similarly, his left tympanic membrane perforation was also rated at noncompensable.
- Claimed conditions
- low back disability, tinnitus, left ring finger fracture residuals, left tympanic membrane perforation
- How they argued it
- Direct service connection
- Exposure basis
- None
- Rating assigned
- 40%
- Decision date
- September 22, 2004
- Citation
- 0426344
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 0426344.
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.
- 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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