Tinnitus (ringing in the ears) decisions — 2016

The Veteran's appeal is being remanded for additional development of his claims, including obtaining updated medical records and scheduling VA examinations.

The Board found that the Veteran's bilateral hearing loss and tinnitus are not related to service, as there is no evidence of in-service manifestations or noise exposure. The current disabilities were not caused by military service.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's bilateral hearing loss and tinnitus are not service-connected, as there is no evidence of in-service injury or disease related to these conditions. The Veteran reported symptoms after a head injury during service but his service records do not reflect any complaints or treatment for hearing loss or tinnitus.

The Board has determined that the Veteran does not have a current disability of tinnitus or migraine headaches, and his eye disability is related to service. The claims for these conditions are therefore denied.

The Veteran's appeal is remanded due to the need for additional development and examination, including an addendum opinion regarding whether his hearing loss and tinnitus are related to service.

The Veteran's service-connected fibromyalgia, migraines, and other conditions have prevented her from securing or following substantially gainful employment. The Board has granted a TDIU.

The Board has remanded the issues of service connection for TBI, headaches, and tinnitus due to new evidence received since the last final denial. The Veteran's claims are being reviewed de novo.

The Board has granted service connection for bilateral hearing loss and tinnitus, finding that the Veteran's current conditions are related to her in-service noise exposure.

The Board has remanded the case due to an inextricably intertwined issue of service connection for hearing loss, and will reconsider the tinnitus claim after addressing this issue.

The Board has determined that new and material evidence has been submitted to reopen the Veteran's claims for service connection for bilateral hearing loss and tinnitus. After review of all available evidence, including VA and private medical opinions, the Board finds that there is at least a reasonable possibility that the Veteran's current bilateral hearing loss and tinnitus are related to his military service due to noise exposure during active duty.

The Board has determined that the appellant's bilateral hearing loss and tinnitus are as likely due to noise exposure during his National Guard service, leading to a grant of service connection for these conditions.

The Veteran's claims for compensation benefits under 38 U.S.C.A. § 1151 for degenerative disc disease and an effective date prior to December 1, 2004, for the award of entitlement to service connection for tinnitus are being remanded due to incomplete records from SSA and VA treatment centers.

The Veteran's service-connected disabilities do not render him unable to obtain or maintain gainful employment, and the preponderance of evidence is against his claim for TDIU.

The Board granted service connection for an acquired psychiatric disability, including major depressive disorder and PTSD, as secondary to the Veteran's service-connected skin disabilities. The Veteran also received initial compensable ratings for his tinea cruris and lichen simplex chronicus, lumbar back and medial buttocks, with scarring, and dyshidrotic eczema of the feet.

The Veteran's hypertension is currently non-compensable as it does not meet the criteria for a compensable evaluation under Diagnostic Code 7101.,The Veteran's service-connected PTSD, combined with his non-service-connected back and joint conditions, has rendered him unemployable. However, this determination is based on his non-service-connected disabilities rather than solely on his service-connected PTSD.

The Board has determined that the Veteran does not have a current diagnosis of a headache disability, including migraine headaches, and therefore service connection for this condition is denied.

The Board has remanded the case for additional development, including obtaining VA treatment records and providing proper notice regarding personal assault claims.

The Veteran's appeal regarding the issues of bilateral hearing loss, bilateral wrist disability, sleep apnea, and residuals of meningitis has been withdrawn.,The Veteran's bilateral pes planus clearly and unmistakably pre-existed active duty service and was not incurred or aggravated by such service.

The Board has remanded the hearing loss and tinnitus claims for additional development due to inconsistencies in audiometric testing results.

The Veteran's service-connected disabilities necessitate the need for regular aid and attendance, as he requires assistance with daily activities such as feeding himself, keeping himself clean, and protecting himself from environmental hazards.