The Veteran's appeal for a higher rating on a schedular basis for tinnitus has been denied. The Board also remanded the claims regarding service connection for disability of the lumbar spine, peripheral neuropathy of the left lower extremity, and diabetes mellitus, as well as the TDIU claim.
The deciding factor: The Veteran's appeal for a higher rating on a schedular basis has been denied because his tinnitus is currently rated at its maximum allowable level. The Board found that remand was necessary to reconcile conflicting medical opinions regarding service connection and the severity of diabetes mellitus, as well as to address the TDIU claim.
- Claimed conditions
- tinnitus, lumbar spine condition, peripheral neuropathy of the left lower extremity, diabetes mellitus
- How they argued it
- Direct service connection
- Exposure basis
- None
- Rating assigned
- None in this decision
- Decision date
- August 8, 2019
- Citation
- 19161492
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 19161492.
What this means for you
A remand is not a loss. The Board sent the case back for more development — often a new exam or missing records — before making a final decision. Many remands later end in a grant, and the decision spells out exactly what the Board wanted to see.
What you can do next
Related decisions
Other Board decisions on a similar condition or argued the same way.
- 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.
- 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).
- 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.
- Granted
The Board granted an effective date of April 25, 2022, for the award of service connection for tinnitus and a 100 percent initial rating for PTSD with alcohol use disorder.
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