Tinnitus (ringing in the ears) decisions — 2016

The Veteran's service-connected disabilities meet the percentage requirements for a schedular TDIU, and the collective evidence suggests that his service-connected disabilities, in concert, preclude substantially gainful employment consistent with his education and occupational experience.

The Veteran's appeal is being remanded due to his failure to attend a previously scheduled videoconference hearing. He will be given another opportunity for a hearing before the Board.

The Veteran's service-connected disabilities render him unable to secure or follow a substantially gainful occupation, and the Board finds that his TDIU is granted.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's bilateral hearing loss and recurrent tinnitus are service-connected as they are related to his active military service.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's current tinnitus disability is related to his service, specifically his exposure to noise during Active Duty for Training (ACDUTRA). The claim is granted.

The Board has found that the Veteran's tinnitus is at least as likely as not related to service, specifically his exposure to noise during active duty in Vietnam. The claim for bilateral hearing loss was addressed but remanded.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's current bilateral hearing loss and tinnitus began in service and have continued since then, meeting the criteria for service connection.

The Veteran's claims for service connection for bilateral hearing loss disability and tinnitus have been reopened, and he is now entitled to a rating of 50 percent for his headache disability. The Veteran's TBI has also been rated at the maximum schedular evaluation.

The Veteran's tinnitus was first documented postservice and is not shown to be related to service. The left foot disability, diagnosed as metatarsalgia, has no chronic manifestation in the service records.,Service connection for bilateral hearing loss and a left foot disability are denied.

The Board finds that the evidence is at least in equipoise as to whether the Veteran's current bilateral hearing loss and tinnitus are related to his period of service. Service connection is granted for these conditions.

The Board finds that the Veteran's tinnitus is related to his active service, and grants service connection for tinnitus.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's bilateral hearing loss and tinnitus are not related to his military service, but have been granted based on direct service connection due to noise exposure during service.

The Board finds that service connection for tinnitus is granted based on continuity of symptomatology.

The Veteran's appeal for service connection on the issues of GERD, tinnitus, and diarrhea has been withdrawn.

The Veteran's tinnitus is found to be related to his military service, and the Board grants service connection for this condition.

The Board has reopened the Veteran's claims for service connection for bilateral hearing loss and tinnitus. The evidence shows that the Veteran had in-service noise exposure, experienced symptoms of hearing loss and tinnitus during service, and continues to have these conditions post-service. As such, the criteria for direct service connection are met.

The Board has remanded the case due to inadequate nexus opinions regarding the Veteran's hearing loss and tinnitus. The appeal is now pending for further development.

The Veteran's claims for tinnitus and sleep apnea are being remanded due to the need for additional development, including obtaining updated VA treatment records and records from SSA. The Veteran will also be provided with VA medical examinations to determine the nature and etiology of her claimed conditions.

The Veteran's appeal is being remanded for additional examinations and development of the claims.

The Board has determined that new and material evidence has been received to reopen the previously denied claims for service connection for tinnitus, bilateral pes planus, a bilateral knee disability, and depressive disorder. The Veteran's current thoracolumbar spine scoliosis is considered a developmental disease for VA purposes; it manifested in service and is etiologically related to service.