The Veteran's appeals for increased ratings and service connection were denied. The appeal for a disability rating in excess of 10 percent for service-connected tinnitus was denied, as the symptoms do not represent an exceptional or unusual case warranting an extraschedular evaluation. The appeal for a disability rating in excess of 10 percent for service-connected painful scar, status post right shoulder surgery was also denied due to the presence of only one painful scar and no underlying soft tissue damage.
The deciding factor: The Veteran's tinnitus is rated at its highest level (10%) as there are no exceptional or unusual circumstances that would warrant an extraschedular evaluation. The Veteran's service-connected painful scar, status post right shoulder surgery, has only one painful scar with no underlying soft tissue damage and does not meet the criteria for a higher rating.
- Claimed conditions
- tinnitus, painful scar, status post right shoulder surgery
- How they argued it
- Direct service connection
- Exposure basis
- None
- Rating
- Not verified here — check the original decision
- Decision date
- February 21, 2024
- Citation
- 24008623
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. Read the original VA decision (opens in a new tab) using citation 24008623.
What this means for you
A final Board denial may be appealed to the U.S. Court of Appeals for Veterans Claims, generally within 120 days of the Board mailing date. A Supplemental Claim with new and relevant evidence is a separate option. Another Higher-Level Review of the Board decision is not available. Check your own notice: this historical decision does not set your deadline.
What you can do next
Use your own notice and decision stage. A remanded issue is not a final court-appealable denial. VA review guidance and CAVC filing instructions (U.S. federal; reviewed October 7, 2026).
Related decisions
Other Board decisions on a similar condition or argued the same way.
- Whole decision: 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.
- Whole decision: 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.
- Whole decision: Granted
The Veteran's tinnitus is granted as service connected. The issues of foot disability and cardiovascular disorder are remanded for additional development.
- Whole decision: 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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