Tinnitus (ringing in the ears) decisions — 2015

The Board has determined that a VA examination is needed to clarify whether the Veteran's need for aid and attendance or housebound status is due to his service-connected disabilities alone, as he asserts.

The Veteran's tinnitus is service-connected, but his gastrointestinal, cardiovascular, and respiratory disorders are not.

The Veteran's claims for increased ratings and service connection were denied. The Board found that the evidence did not support a higher rating for bilateral tinnitus, but reopened his claim for cervical spine disorder due to new evidence. His sleep apnea was also denied as it was not related to service or a service-connected disability.

The Veteran's tinnitus is found to be incurred in service, and service connection for this disability is granted.

The Board denied the Veteran's claims for service connection for bilateral hearing loss, tinnitus, and chronic fatigue syndrome (undiagnosed), finding no evidence of a current disability related to active service or any incident of service.

The Veteran's claims for service connection for bilateral hearing loss, tinnitus, and a higher rating for his back disability were denied. The appeal is not about service connection at all.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's hearing loss and tinnitus claims must be remanded for further development, including obtaining additional medical opinions.

The Veteran's appeal is being remanded due to the need for a new VA examination to determine if his bilateral hearing loss and tinnitus are related to service exposure. The current evidence does not support a finding of service connection.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's tinnitus began in and continued since service, meeting the criteria for service connection.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's current hearing loss and tinnitus are not related to service, as his pre-existing hearing loss was less likely than not aggravated by service. The claim for bilateral hearing loss is denied.

The Board has determined that the appeal of the Veteran's claims for bilateral hearing loss, tinnitus, and acoustic neuroma is remanded due to inadequate compliance with prior remand instructions. The case will be returned to the AOJ for further development.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's hearing loss disability and tinnitus were not incurred or aggravated by service, as there is no evidence of in-service noise exposure leading to current disabilities. The VA examiners provided negative nexus opinions.

The Board has ordered additional development of the Veteran's claims due to incomplete service records and a need for VA examinations.

The Veteran's service-connected disabilities, including foot drop, diabetic neuropathy, and other conditions, have rendered him unable to secure or follow substantially gainful employment. The Board has granted entitlement to a TDIU with an effective date set by the RO.

The Board has granted service connection for tinnitus, finding that it is as likely as not attributable to service and resolving doubt in the Veteran's favor.

The Veteran's service-connected disabilities, including bipolar disorder, coronary artery disease, hearing loss, diabetes mellitus, and peripheral neuropathy, prevent him from securing or following a substantially gainful occupation.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's current lumbar spine disorder and tinnitus are related to his military service, granting service connection for both conditions.

The Veteran's PTSD is rated at 50 percent disabling, reflecting significant occupational and social impairment. The other issues are not addressed as the appeal pertains to service connection for PTSD.

The Board has determined that further development is needed to reconcile conflicting medical opinions regarding the etiology of the Veteran's current bilateral hearing loss and tinnitus. The case is REMANDED for a VA audiology examination.

The Board has remanded the case for scheduling a hearing before a Veterans Law Judge due to the Veteran's failure to report to the previously scheduled hearing.