Tinnitus (ringing in the ears) decisions — 2016

The Veteran's service-connected bilateral hearing loss and tinnitus disabilities do not prevent him from securing or following a substantially gainful occupation, as they are considered one disability affecting the ear. The evidence does not show he is precluded from all types of employment due to these conditions.

The appeal is being remanded due to the appellant's request for a Travel Board hearing. The case will be processed in accordance with established appellate practices.

The Veteran's tinnitus was not present during service and the VA examiner concluded it is less likely than not related to his naval service. The Board finds that the preponderance of evidence weighs against the claim.

The Veteran's tinnitus had an onset during service and has continued to be present, thus meeting the criteria for service connection.

The Veteran's appeal has been dismissed as he and his representative have withdrawn their appeals for higher ratings for left ear hearing loss and tinnitus.

The Board has determined that there is at least an approximate balance of positive and negative evidence regarding the Veteran's claim for service connection for tinnitus. As a result, the Board finds in favor of granting service connection for tinnitus.

The Veteran's left ear hearing loss is found to be due to in-service noise exposure, and service connection for this condition is granted. The issue of tinnitus remains pending as a supplemental opinion is needed regarding its relationship to the service-connected hearing loss. The initial compensable rating claim for prostate cancer residuals will also need further development.

The Board has remanded the case for further development and consideration, including obtaining service treatment records and scheduling an examination to determine whether the Veteran experiences dizziness as a result of his service-connected disabilities. The issue of entitlement to TDIU is also inextricably intertwined with the other issues being remanded.

The Board has determined that new and material evidence was received to reopen the claim of service connection for tinnitus. After considering all the evidence, including the Veteran's in-service noise exposure and his testimony regarding the onset of his tinnitus, the Board finds that the Veteran's tinnitus is related to his active duty service and grants service connection.

The Veteran's heart disorder, including hypertension, is service-connected as due to herbicide exposure.,Diabetes mellitus, type II, is also service-connected as due to herbicide exposure.

The Veteran's appeal for a compensable rating for bilateral hearing loss has been withdrawn. The Board is dismissing this issue as the Veteran requested to withdraw his appeal.

The Board finds that the cause of the Veteran's death was of service origin and thus, service connection is warranted for the cause of the Veteran's death.

The Veteran's claims for bilateral hearing loss, tinnitus, and an acquired psychiatric disorder are being remanded due to incomplete records and the need for additional examinations.

The Board denied the Veteran's claims for service connection for bilateral hearing loss and tinnitus, finding that there was no evidence to support a current disability or a link between his in-service noise exposure and his claimed conditions.

The Veteran withdrew his appeal regarding the reopening of his claim for service connection for multiple sclerosis.,The Board has reopened the Veteran's claim for service connection for tinnitus based on new and material evidence.

The Veteran's appeal is being remanded for additional examinations and opinions to determine the nature and etiology of his claimed conditions, including bilateral hearing loss, tinnitus, and a psychiatric disorder. The claims will be adjudicated again after all necessary development has been completed.

The Veteran's service-connected disabilities, including his diabetes and related conditions, rendered him in need of regular aid and attendance. The Board found that these disabilities alone were sufficient to meet the criteria for SMC based on aid and attendance.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's tinnitus claim is granted, but his lumbar spine disability claim is denied as there is no evidence of a nexus to service.

The Veteran's current tinnitus was incurred during active service and the Board finds that he is entitled to service connection for this condition. The issues of service connection for a back disability and neurological impairment of the right lower extremity are remanded as they are inextricably intertwined with the issue of service connection for tinnitus.

The Veteran's tinnitus had its onset in service and is now granted.,Service connection for hypertension was granted effective August 22, 2005. The Veteran seeks an earlier effective date which the Board denied as VA has no authority to grant such a request under current law.,An initial noncompensable rating for hypertension is granted based on the evidence of record showing systolic pressure predominately 160 or more but not 200 or more, or diastolic pressure predominantly 110 or more. The Veteran seeks a higher rating which will be addressed in the remand.,The Veteran's service connection for bilateral hearing loss is denied as there was no evidence of record showing that his hearing loss began during service and he did not submit a claim until after separation from service.,Extraschedular consideration is granted for the Veteran's hypertension, but the issue will be addressed in the remand as it may impact other issues including TDIU.,TDIU is denied as there was no evidence of record showing that the Veteran's service-connected disabilities rendered him unemployable.