The Veteran's claims for separate ratings for tinnitus, a higher rating for his lumbar spine disability, and a compensable rating for sciatica of the right lower extremity were denied. The maximum schedular rating for tinnitus has been assigned, and the Veteran's lumbar spine disability is rated at 10 percent due to its current limitations. Sciatica of the right lower extremity was granted as part of his service-connected lumbar spine disability.
The deciding factor: The Veteran's claims were denied because the maximum schedular rating for tinnitus has been assigned, and the criteria for a higher rating for his lumbar spine disability did not meet the requirements. The claim for sciatica of the right lower extremity was resolved as part of his service-connected lumbar spine disability.
- Claimed conditions
- tinnitus, degenerative disc and degenerative joint disease from L1-S1, sciatica of the right lower extremity
- How they argued it
- Direct service connection
- Exposure basis
- None
- Rating assigned
- 10%
- Decision date
- June 23, 2009
- Citation
- 0923576
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 0923576.
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.
Free starter guide for your own claim
Reading this because you were denied or under-rated? Get the plain-English next steps — your appeal options, the deadline that protects you, and how appeals like yours turn out. One email, no spam.
We will only use this to send the guide. No spam, unsubscribe any time. We never sell your information.
We are not the VA. Veterans’ Rights is an independent resource built for veterans. We are not the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs, not part of the government, and not endorsed by any government agency.
This is general information, not legal advice. For advice about your own situation, talk to a VA-accredited representative — many help for free.