Tinnitus (ringing in the ears) decisions — 2016

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

The Veteran's service-connected disabilities, including dementia due to diabetes mellitus with retinopathy, cataracts, erectile dysfunction, hypertension, PTSD, peripheral neuropathy in the upper and lower extremities, bilateral hearing loss, and tinnitus, rendered him unable to secure or follow a substantially gainful occupation. The Board granted his claim for TDIU.

The Board is remanding the claims for service connection for bilateral pes planus, hearing loss, residuals of a deviated nasal septum (withdrawn), left ankle disorder, bilateral knee disorder, bilateral hip disorder, heart disorder, hypertension, gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD), and obstructive sleep apnea. The Board is also remanding the claim for an initial rating higher than 50 percent for PTSD.

The Board has remanded the case for further development due to the RO's failure to comply with prior remand directives. The Veteran is requested to schedule a Travel Board hearing.

The Board has determined that the Veteran does not have a current disability of bilateral hearing loss or tinnitus due to service, and therefore denied both claims.

The Veteran's service-connected lumbar spine disability has rendered him unable to secure or maintain substantially gainful employment consistent with his education and work history.

The Board found that the Veteran's tinnitus was not related to his military service and denied his claim for service connection.

The Board finds that the Veteran does not have a current diagnosis of bilateral hearing loss and tinnitus, and thus cannot establish service connection for these conditions.

The Veteran's service-connected disabilities prior to September 5, 2013 were rated at a combined 90 percent. Considering the totality of his service-connected conditions and their impact on his ability to work, these disabilities rendered him unable to secure or follow substantially gainful employment.

The Veteran's bilateral hearing loss warrants a 60 percent rating from May 9, 2012. The criteria for entitlement to a TDIU have not been met.

The Board has remanded the case due to an undeliverable SSOC, and the Veteran's current address needs to be provided for resending.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's current bilateral hearing loss and tinnitus are related to service, specifically noise exposure during active duty. Service connection is granted for these conditions.

The Board has reopened the claims for service connection for hypothyroidism, hypertension, heart disease, and hepatitis C due to new and material evidence. However, no specific rating or effective date is assigned as these issues are still under review.

The Veteran's appeal is being remanded for additional development, including obtaining a VA examination to address the etiology of his tinnitus and hearing loss.

The Board has determined, based on the evidence of record, that the Veteran's current diagnoses of bilateral hearing loss and tinnitus are related to his military service. Therefore, service connection is granted for these conditions.

The Board denied the Veteran's claims for service connection for bilateral knee disability and tinnitus, finding no current disabilities or evidence of in-service injury. The Board also found that there was insufficient evidence to establish a link between any current hearing loss and service.

The Veteran's current tinnitus is related to service, and the Board has granted service connection for this condition.

The Veteran's bilateral hearing loss and tinnitus are service-connected, while hypertension, a seizure disorder, and peptic ulcer disease are not. The Veteran's type II diabetes mellitus is rated at 10 percent.

The Veteran's appeal is being remanded due to his request for a videoconference hearing, and the need to provide him with information about accredited representatives.

The Board has granted service connection for a TBI and remanded the remaining claims due to need for additional development.