The Board denied increased ratings for obstructive sleep apnea, tinnitus, posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD) with dysthymic disorder and major depressive disorder, irritable bowel syndrome (IBS), eczema, and remanded the claim for total disability for individual unemployability.
The deciding factor: The evidence did not show chronic respiratory failure with carbon dioxide retention or cor pulmonale, or that the Veteran required tracheostomy. The 10 percent rating is the maximum scheduler rating available for tinnitus, and there was no legal basis to award a higher schedular disability rating.
- Claimed conditions
- obstructive sleep apnea, tinnitus, posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD) with dysthymic disorder and major depressive disorder, irritable bowel syndrome (IBS), eczema
- How they argued it
- Direct service connection
- Exposure basis
- None
- Rating assigned
- None in this decision
- Decision date
- May 27, 2025
- Citation
- A25046704
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 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.
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.