Tinnitus (ringing in the ears) decisions — 2015

The Veteran's claims for increased ratings for bilateral hearing loss and tinnitus have been denied as there is no evidence of symptoms beyond the scope of the rating schedule in Diagnostic Code 6260, which governs tinnitus. The Veteran's current hearing loss does not warrant a compensable rating.

The Veteran's appeal is being remanded for additional development to address the claims of service connection for hearing loss, tinnitus, peripheral neuropathy of the upper extremities, and hypertension. The Veteran has not been provided with a VA examination or opinion regarding these issues.

The Veteran's service connection claim for tinnitus is granted as the evidence shows that his current tinnitus likely began in service and has continued since, with no clear indication of another cause.

The Board has granted service connection for tinnitus, finding that the Veteran's statements and testimony regarding in-service noise exposure are credible. The appeal of PTSD was withdrawn prior to decision.

The Veteran's service-connected left shoulder disability was rated at 20 percent from May 4, 2005 to December 22, 2005. The Board found that the symptoms were adequately contemplated by the schedular rating criteria and denied an extraschedular rating for this period. For the time period in question, there is no other service-connected disability affecting employment. Therefore, entitlement to a TDIU was also denied.

The Veteran's service-connected disabilities, including degenerative disc disease of the lumbar and cervical spine, radiculopathy of the lower extremities, tinnitus, bilateral hearing loss, residuals of a fracture of the nose, chronic rhinitis, and temporomandibular joint dysfunction, have combined to preclude locomotion without the aid of braces, crutches, canes, or a wheelchair. As such, he is eligible for specially adapted housing.

The Veteran's service-connected disabilities rendered him unemployable for the portion of the appeal period prior to April 21, 2011. A TDIU is granted on an extraschedular basis.

The Board finds that the Veteran's tinnitus began during, and has been chronic and continuous since discharge from military service. Service connection for tinnitus is granted.

The Veteran's tinnitus began during service and is granted. The issues of bilateral hearing loss, left leg disorder, and back disorder are remanded for additional development.

The Veteran's diabetes mellitus type II is currently rated at 20 percent, effective March 11, 2011. The claims for hypertension and anxiety/depressive disorder were denied as new and material evidence was not submitted to reopen these claims. Service connection for bilateral knee disorders, hearing loss, tinnitus, hip disorder, ankle disorders, and lumbar spine disorder are all denied.

The Board has determined that the appellant's bilateral hearing loss disability and tinnitus are related to his military service, specifically his period of active duty for training (ACDUTRA). The claims are therefore granted.

The Veteran's claims for service connection for various disabilities are denied as the preponderance of the evidence does not support a finding that any current condition was incurred or aggravated by his military service.

The Veteran's claims for bilateral hearing loss, tinnitus, diabetes mellitus type II, hypertension, and right knee condition have all been denied. The Board finds no evidence of a current disability or in-service incurrence or aggravation.

The Veteran's appeals for service connection for right ear hearing loss and a compensable rating for left ear hearing loss have been withdrawn. The appeal for tinnitus has been granted.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's fatal cerebrovascular accident was not caused by or a result of his service-connected disabilities, including PTSD and cold weather injuries. The preponderance of evidence does not support a finding that these conditions contributed to his death.

The Veteran's claims of service connection for hearing loss, tinnitus, and carpal tunnel syndrome are being remanded due to the need for additional development including VA examinations.

The Veteran's claims for service connection for bilateral hearing loss and tinnitus are being remanded due to the need for additional medical opinions regarding the etiology of these conditions. The Veteran is also seeking a higher rating for his service-connected cervical spine disability, which has been remanded as well.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's bilateral hearing loss and tinnitus are related to his service, including exposure to loud noise during combat. As a result, both conditions have been granted service connection.

The Board has determined that a remand is necessary to obtain clarifying opinions regarding the Veteran's claimed bilateral hearing loss disability and tinnitus, as well as to address any potential delayed onset of these conditions.

The Veteran's tinnitus is service-connected, and he was granted a 10 percent rating for his right ankle disability. The left ankle disability has been rated as non-compensable prior to February 8, 2013, but the Board found that a higher rating of at least 10 percent is warranted since then.