The Veteran's tinnitus was not diagnosed during service and is not otherwise related to in-service noise exposure. The Board finds no nexus between the current disability and active duty.,Systemic lupus and dermatitis of the face, neck, ears, fingers, and hands were not shown as chronic in service or within one year post-service. There is insufficient evidence to establish a connection with service.
The deciding factor: The Veteran's tinnitus was diagnosed many years after separation from service and there is no credible evidence linking it to her military service.,There is no documented onset of systemic lupus or dermatitis within one year post-service, nor any medical opinion suggesting a connection to service.
- Claimed conditions
- {"condition_name":"tinnitus"}, {"condition_name":"systemic lupus"}, {"condition_name":"dermatitis of the face, neck, ears, fingers, and hands (also claimed as hyperpigmentation and sun spots)"}
- How they argued it
- Direct service connection
- Exposure basis
- None
- Rating assigned
- None in this decision
- Decision date
- November 20, 2020
- Citation
- 20074708
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 Board granted service connection for obstructive sleep apnea, effective from the date of the February 2025 rating decision.
- Remanded (sent back)
The Board remands the claim for a medical examination to determine if the Veteran's current neck strain is related to his in-service activities.
- Remanded (sent back)
The Board remands the claim for a rating in excess of 70 percent for PTSD due to an inadequate medical opinion.
- Granted
The Board granted service connection for myasthenia gravis based on the Veteran's exposure to hazardous substances during his military service.
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.