The Veteran's tinnitus is rated at the maximum schedular disability rating of 10 percent.,The Veteran's bilateral hearing loss disability is currently rated as noncompensable (zero percent).,The Veteran's lumbar spine disability is currently rated at 20 percent, and the evidence does not support a higher rating due to lack of ankylosis or other criteria for increased ratings under the General Rating Formula for Diseases and Injuries of the Spine.,The Veteran's right lower extremity radiculopathy is not manifested by moderate incomplete paralysis.
The deciding factor: The evidence does not support a higher schedular evaluation for tinnitus, as it already receives the maximum schedular disability rating.,The evidence does not meet the criteria for a compensable disability rating for bilateral hearing loss due to the Veteran's audiometric results being within the noncompensable range.,The evidence does not show that the Veteran's lumbar spine disability meets or approximates the criteria for an increased rating under the General Rating Formula for Diseases and Injuries of the Spine, as there is no indication of unfavorable ankylosis or other specific findings warranting a higher rating.,The evidence does not support a finding of moderate incomplete paralysis in the right lower extremity radiculopathy.
- Claimed conditions
- tinnitus, bilateral hearing loss, degenerative disc disease of the lumbar spine with intervertebral disc syndrome (lumbar spine disability), raticulopathy of the right lower extremity
- How they argued it
- Direct service connection
- Exposure basis
- None
- Rating
- Not verified here — check the original decision
- Decision date
- April 9, 2026
- Citation
- A26033318
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 A26033318.
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: Dismissed
The Veteran's appeal for service connection of bilateral hearing loss and a ruptured right ear drum was dismissed due to the death of the Veteran.
- Whole decision: Denied
The Board found that the Veteran's bilateral hearing loss was noted upon entry into active duty service and did not increase in severity during service. Therefore, it denied his claim for 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.
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