The Veteran's initial claim for an increased evaluation for tinnitus was denied, as he is already receiving the maximum schedular rating.,An initial evaluation of 50 percent for depressive disorder was granted, subject to controlling regulations applicable to the payment of monetary benefits. The Veteran’s depressive disorder symptoms include depressed mood, anxiety, chronic sleep impairment, mild memory loss, disturbances of motivation and mood, impaired judgment, and panic attacks more than once a week.,The Veteran's claim for an evaluation in excess of 10 percent for degenerative joint disease of the left knee was remanded. The condition manifests with painful motion and flexion better than 45 degrees.
The deciding factor: The maximum schedular rating (10%) has been awarded for tinnitus, as it is already at its highest level.,The Veteran's depressive disorder symptoms meet the criteria for a 50% evaluation based on occupational and social impairment with reduced reliability and productivity.,The Veteran’s degenerative joint disease of left knee does not warrant an evaluation in excess of 10%, given his remaining functional flexion better than 45 degrees.
- Claimed conditions
- tinnitus, depressive disorder, degenerative joint disease of left knee
- How they argued it
- Direct service connection
- Exposure basis
- None
- Rating assigned
- None in this decision
- Decision date
- November 21, 2019
- Citation
- 19187372
Veterans Law Judge
Judge attribution: 2025 complete; earlier years partial.
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 19187372.
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 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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