Tinnitus (ringing in the ears) decisions — 2001

The Board has granted the veteran's claims for initial ratings in excess of 0 percent for hearing loss of the right ear, tinnitus, and sinusitis.

The veteran's appeal is for a TDIU based on his service-connected disabilities. The case has been remanded to obtain additional medical records and conduct further examinations to determine the impact of his disabilities on his employability.

The Board has determined that the veteran's right shoulder, elbow, and tinnitus disabilities are service-connected. The bilateral ear fungus and barotitis of the left ear were not found to be service-connected.

The Board has granted service connection for tinnitus and remanded the issue of an increased evaluation for left ear hearing loss.

The Board has granted service connection for bilateral tinnitus and increased ratings for sinusitis and allergic rhinitis, but denied the claim for right ear hearing loss.

The effective date for the grant of service connection for tinnitus is set at October 7, 1945, which is the day after the veteran's separation from active duty. A 10 percent rating for tinnitus became available on March 10, 1976.

The veteran's PTSD is rated at 50 percent, effective from July 1, 1997. The claim for an earlier effective date for TDIU benefits was granted and effective as of May 21, 1997.

The veteran's appeal for increased evaluations of his tinnitus, gastroesophageal reflux, and left shoulder impingement has been dismissed as he withdrew his appeal regarding the tinnitus issue.

The Board has determined that the veteran's chronic left ear sensorineural hearing loss disability was incurred in active service and granted service connection for this condition. The issues of right ear hearing loss disability, bilateral tinnitus, and evaluation of lumbosacral spine osteoarthritis are pending.

The veteran's claims for PTSD, gunshot wound residuals, left ear hearing loss, and tinnitus were denied. The VA determined that the PTSD did not meet criteria for a higher evaluation, the gunshot wound residuals met criteria for a 20% evaluation, there was no compensable evaluation for left ear hearing loss, and tinnitus warranted only a 10% evaluation.

The Board has determined that the veteran's tinnitus was incurred in active service, and thus granted service connection for this condition.

The Board has denied the veteran's claims for increased evaluations for bilateral hearing loss and tinnitus, finding that the evidence does not warrant a rating in excess of 10 percent under either the old or revised criteria.

The Board has determined that the veteran's claims for service connection for hearing loss, tinnitus, and Meniere's disease are not well grounded. The RO must apply the new law to the veteran's claim under the provisions set forth in the Veterans Claims Assistance Act of 2000.

The veteran's claim for service connection for right ear tinnitus was granted effective July 21, 1970, the day following his discharge from active military service.

The Board denied increased ratings for bilateral hearing loss, tinnitus, and gastroesophageal reflux (GERD), as well as service connection for heart disease, emphysema, anxiety and depression, arthritis of joints, and a total rating based on individual unemployability.

The veteran's appeal has been dismissed due to his death during the pendency of his appeal.

The veteran's claims for increased evaluations of his right and left foot disabilities, tinnitus, and hearing loss were denied as the evidence did not meet the criteria for higher ratings under the applicable rating schedule.

The Board has granted service connection for tinnitus, finding that it is related to the veteran's exposure to loud noises during his active service. The claims of service connection for bilateral hearing loss and sleep apnea on a secondary basis are being remanded for additional development.

The Board has denied the veteran's claims for service connection for PTSD, a skin disorder, and a prostate disorder. The issues of reopening claims for bilateral hearing loss and tinnitus have been addressed.

The Board has determined that the veteran does not have a current disability of left ear hearing loss or tinnitus, and therefore cannot establish service connection for these conditions. The Board also found no aggravation of preexisting left ear hearing loss during service.