The Veteran's left tibia scar and bilateral tinnitus have been evaluated based on the criteria provided in the VA Schedule for Rating Disabilities. The Veteran does not meet the criteria for a higher rating, so his claims are denied.,The Veteran's liver transplant is considered to be unrelated to service, as there is no evidence of a nexus between his current liver condition and his military service.
The deciding factor: There was insufficient evidence to support a compensable rating for the left tibia scar or a higher rating for bilateral tinnitus. The Veteran's symptoms did not meet the criteria set forth in the VA Schedule for Rating Disabilities.,The preponderance of the evidence does not support service connection for liver transplant, interstitial lung disease, diabetes mellitus, psychiatric disorder, ventral hernia, and cause of death.
- Claimed conditions
- Scar of the Left Tibia, Bilateral Tinnitus, Liver Transplant (liver disease), Interstitial Lung Disease, Diabetes Mellitus, Psychiatric Disorder, Ventral Hernia
- How they argued it
- Not specified
- Exposure basis
- None
- Rating assigned
- None in this decision
- Decision date
- May 11, 2020
- Citation
- 20029639
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 20029639.
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 Veteran's appeal was granted for various disabilities, including service connection for depressive disorder and increased evaluations for diabetic peripheral neuropathy affecting multiple nerve groups. A SMC based on need for aid and attendance was also awarded.
- Remanded (sent back)
The Veteran's claims for service connection for hypertension and diabetes are being remanded due to the need for a VA examination to determine the etiology of these conditions.
- Granted
The Veteran's initial PCAFC application was granted in December 2022, effective from December 21, 2022. The Board found that the criteria for eligibility were met since his initial application in December 2020.
- Granted
The Veteran's TDIU and DEA were granted effective July 18, 2020. The case involves the Veteran's service-connected disabilities including PTSD, OSA, diabetes, cataracts, neuropathy, and other conditions.
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.