The Board denied increased ratings for multiple service-connected conditions, including tinnitus, GERD with hiatal hernia, major depressive disorder with generalized anxiety disorder, spinal stenosis with lumbosacral strain status post surgery, scars of the back, and radiculopathy in both lower extremities. The Veteran's erectile dysfunction was also denied a compensable rating.
The deciding factor: The evidence did not show that any of the conditions warranted ratings higher than those currently assigned based on the applicable criteria.
- Claimed conditions
- tinnitus, gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) with hiatal hernia, major depressive disorder with generalized anxiety disorder, spinal stenosis with lumbosacral strain status post surgery, scars of the back, status post discectomy and fusion, right lower extremity radiculopathy, left lower extremity radiculopathy, erectile dysfunction
- How they argued it
- Direct service connection
- Exposure basis
- None
- Rating assigned
- None in this decision
- Decision date
- June 4, 2025
- Citation
- A25049481
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.
- 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.
- Granted
The Board granted an effective date of April 25, 2022, for the award of service connection for tinnitus and a 100 percent initial rating for PTSD with alcohol use disorder.
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.