Tinnitus (ringing in the ears) decisions — 2017

The Board has remanded the case due to the need for additional development, including obtaining private treatment records and providing an addendum opinion by a VA examiner.

The Veteran's PTSD has been rated at 100 percent, the highest possible rating under VA guidelines. The RO should also consider whether he is eligible for TDIU based on his service-connected disabilities.

The Board found that the Veteran's current bilateral hearing loss and tinnitus are related to in-service hazardous noise exposure while working as a Fireman (Engine/Mechanical Apprentice) on a U.S. Navy ship, granting service connection for these conditions.

The Veteran's service-connected disabilities (bilateral hearing loss and tinnitus) do not constitute a serious employment handicap, as determined by the VA rehabilitation counselor. Therefore, he is denied VRE benefits under Chapter 31.

The Veteran's claim for an extraschedular rating for bilateral hearing loss and tinnitus was denied as the current schedular ratings are considered commensurate with his average earning capacity impairment.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's current bilateral hearing loss and tinnitus are at least as likely as not related to his military service, including exposure to noise from aircraft engines. As a result, the claims for service connection for bilateral hearing loss and tinnitus have been granted.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's tinnitus and right shoulder disability are related to his service, with aggravation during active duty. Service connection is granted for these conditions.

The Board has remanded the case for additional development, including a VA examination to determine if the Veteran's bilateral hearing loss and tinnitus are related to service.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's bilateral hearing loss and tinnitus did not manifest to a compensable degree within one year of service separation, and therefore, he is not entitled to service connection for these conditions.

The Veteran's appeal is being remanded due to the need to address a claim of CUE regarding an earlier effective date for his increased tinnitus rating.

The Veteran's service-connected disabilities, particularly his PTSD, render him unable to secure and follow a substantially gainful occupation. The Board finds that the evidence is at least in equipoise as to whether he can perform the physical and mental requirements of employment.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's psoriasis and tinnitus were not incurred in or aggravated by service, and therefore denied both claims.

The Veteran's service-connected disabilities do not preclude him from securing or following a substantially gainful occupation, and therefore the claim for TDIU is denied.

The Board has determined that the Veteran meets the criteria for SMC based on the need for aid and attendance due to his service-connected disabilities, including schizophrenia and PTSD. The decision is in favor of the Veteran.

The Board has remanded the case due to an inadequate November 2012 VA examination report, which did not address whether the Veteran's tinnitus is associated with his service-connected hearing loss.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's tinnitus did not originate during active service or within a year of service discharge, and is not otherwise etiologically related to service. As such, the claim for service connection for tinnitus is denied.

The Board has determined that there is no medical evidence linking the Veteran's vertigo to his service-connected tinnitus, and thus denied the claim for service connection.

The Board has reopened the Veteran's claims of service connection for bilateral hearing loss and tinnitus. The evidence now shows that the Veteran experienced in-service noise exposure, which is presumed to have caused his current bilateral hearing loss and tinnitus.

The Board has found that the Veteran's current bilateral hearing loss disability is the result of acoustic trauma in service and grants service connection for this condition.

The Veteran's tinnitus was first shown in service and is considered a direct result of his military service, warranting service connection.