Tinnitus (ringing in the ears) decisions — 2013

The Veteran's claim for TDIU was denied as he had not been unemployable prior to September 7, 2011 due to his service-connected disabilities.

The case is being remanded due to incomplete records and the need for further development.

The Veteran's right hip disability, status-port total right hip arthroplasty is not service-connected. The combined rating for his service-connected disabilities (30% for bilateral pes planus, 10% each for bilateral hearing loss and tinnitus, and 10% for post-traumatic arthritis of the right thumb) does not meet the percentage requirements for TDIU under section 4.16(a).

The Board has determined that the Veteran's current bilateral hearing loss and tinnitus are related to his active duty service, granting service connection for both conditions.

The Veteran's combined rating for service-connected disabilities is 60%, which does not meet the criteria for a total disability rating based on individual unemployability due to his ability to perform sedentary employment.

The Veteran's appeal was partially withdrawn, and the remaining issues of service connection for lumbar spine disability, psychiatric disorder (including PTSD, anxiety, and depression), tinnitus, and ear condition were remanded for additional development.

The Board has determined that additional medical examinations and records are needed to properly adjudicate the Veteran's claims for service connection for a right knee disorder, bilateral hearing loss, and tinnitus.

The Board has remanded the case due to the Veteran's request for a hearing before the Board at the RO.

The Board has granted service connection for bilateral hearing loss and tinnitus, finding that the Veteran's current conditions are related to his in-service noise exposure.,An initial rating of 10 percent was assigned for the Veteran's right shoulder disability.

The Veteran's claims for service connection are being remanded due to the need for additional medical examinations and opinions regarding his bilateral knee disability, bilateral hearing loss disability, and tinnitus.

The Board has determined that the VA examinations are inadequate and additional clarification is needed regarding the Veteran's asbestos-related pleural disease. The issues of service connection for bilateral hearing loss and tinnitus have been remanded due to the need for a supplemental opinion based on the Duty MOS Noise Exposure Listing.

The Veteran's combined rating for service-connected bilateral hearing loss and tinnitus is sufficient to meet the criteria for a TDIU, as these disabilities are considered one disability due to common etiology. The Veteran is unable to secure or follow substantially gainful employment due to his service-connected disabilities.

The Veteran's claim for service connection for tinnitus was granted. However, the claim for service connection for a bilateral hearing disability was denied due to lack of evidence linking the current condition to his military service.

The Board has remanded the case back to the AOJ for initial consideration of new evidence and argument submitted by the Veteran, including a VHA opinion on the cause of his claimed bilateral hearing loss and tinnitus.

The Veteran's claim for a TDIU is being remanded due to the need for further development, including obtaining an examination to assess his employability and considering whether all of his service-connected disabilities render him unemployable.

The Veteran's service-connected disabilities prevent him from securing and following a substantially gainful occupation, warranting a TDIU rating on an extraschedular basis.

The Veteran's left ear hearing loss is not considered to be related to service, as it pre-existed military service and did not worsen therein. The Board finds that the Veteran does not have right ear hearing loss or tinnitus that are the result of disease or injury incurred in or aggravated during active military service.

The Board has granted service connection for tinnitus and an increased rating to 70 percent for PTSD. The Veteran's symptoms, including social isolation and difficulty in maintaining relationships, are considered in determining the appropriate disability ratings.

The Veteran is seeking service connection for bilateral hearing loss and tinnitus, which he claims are related to noise exposure during active military service. The Board has determined that a VA examination is needed to determine the current existence of these conditions and their relationship to service.

The Board has determined that a remand is necessary to obtain additional medical opinions and evidence in order to properly adjudicate the Veteran's claims for service connection.