The Veteran's claims for increased ratings and service connection have been denied. The Veteran is not entitled to a higher rating for tinnitus or adjustment disorder with depressed mood, generalized anxiety disorder, and insomnia disorder due to the current schedular ratings being appropriate. Service connection has also been denied for pseudofolliculitis barbae, acne, constipation, muscle breakdown, cervical spine strain, lumbar spine strain, right hand/finger disorder, left hand/finger disorder, right knee disorder, left knee disorder, migraine headache, residuals of tonsillectomy, and shoulder disorders.
The deciding factor: The Veteran's tinnitus is rated at the maximum schedular rating (10%) under Diagnostic Code 6260. The adjustment disorder with depressed mood, generalized anxiety disorder, and insomnia disorder is rated at 70% under Diagnostic Code 9433. None of these ratings can be increased.
- Claimed conditions
- tinnitus, adjustment disorder with depressed mood and generalized anxiety disorder and insomnia disorder, pseudofolliculitis barbae, acne, constipation, muscle breakdown, cervical spine strain, lumbar spine strain, right hand/finger disorder, left hand/finger disorder, right knee disorder, left knee disorder, migraine headache, residuals of tonsillectomy, right shoulder disorder, left shoulder disorder
- How they argued it
- Direct service connection
- Exposure basis
- None
- Rating
- Not verified here — check the original decision
- Decision date
- April 2, 2026
- Citation
- A26030103
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 A26030103.
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 case due to the need for additional development, including obtaining SSA records and providing proper notice regarding secondary service connection.
- 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.
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