The Veteran's tinnitus and left knee scar have been rated at the maximum allowed under VA guidelines, but his low back disability remains unresolved.,VA has determined that a compensable rating for the left knee scar is not warranted. The Veteran's claim for service connection for low back disability is being remanded due to insufficient evidence.,The Veteran's tinnitus and left knee scar have been rated at the maximum allowed under VA guidelines, but his low back disability remains unresolved.
The deciding factor: There is no new or material evidence presented that would warrant a higher rating for tinnitus or left knee scar. The current ratings are based on the maximum allowable under VA guidelines.,The Veteran's left knee scar does not meet the criteria for a compensable rating as it does not cover 144 square inches (929 square centimeters) of skin, which is the threshold for a noncompensable rating. The evidence did not show any new or material evidence to support a higher rating.,The Veteran's low back disability remains unresolved due to insufficient evidence presented in his claim.
- Claimed conditions
- tinnitus, left knee scar (post meniscectomy), lumbar spine degenerative disc disease
- How they argued it
- Not specified
- Exposure basis
- None
- Rating assigned
- None in this decision
- Decision date
- March 27, 2026
- Citation
- A26028235
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 A26028235.
What this means for you
A remand is not a loss. The Board sent the case back for more development — often a new exam or missing records — before making a final decision. Many remands later end in a grant, and the decision spells out exactly what the Board wanted to see.
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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