The Veteran's service connection claim for tinnitus and the initial rating claim for left knee strain were both denied. The Board found no evidence of a current disability related to service, leading to denial of service connection for tinnitus. For the left knee strain, the Board determined that the current 10% rating adequately reflects the functional limitations due to pain.
The deciding factor: The medical evidence did not support a diagnosis of recurrent tinnitus and the Veteran's statements regarding her tinnitus were not consistent with diagnostic criteria. The left knee strain was rated based on its current symptoms, which included painful motion but no more severe limitation of flexion or extension.
- Claimed conditions
- tinnitus, left knee strain
- How they argued it
- Direct service connection
- Exposure basis
- None
- Rating assigned
- 10%
- Decision date
- February 2, 2026
- Citation
- A26009132
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 A26009132.
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 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.
- 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.
- Granted
The Veteran's tinnitus is granted as service connected. The issues of foot disability and cardiovascular disorder are remanded for additional development.
- 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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