Tinnitus (ringing in the ears) decisions — 2017

The Veteran's appeals for tinnitus, an increased rating for right shoulder arthritis, and an increased rating for right ankle degenerative joint disease have been withdrawn. The claim for service connection for an acquired psychiatric disability including PTSD, major depressive disorder, and anxiety remains pending.

The Veteran's appeal was denied for an initial rating in excess of 30 percent for headaches, an extraschedular rating based upon the combined effects of multiple service-connected disabilities, and a TDIU due to his chronic headaches, bilateral hearing loss, and tinnitus.

The Veteran's service-connected epilepsy and tinnitus do not render him unable to secure or follow substantially gainful employment.

The Veteran's service connection claim for bilateral tinnitus was granted. The remaining issues are addressed in the REMAND portion of this decision.

The Veteran's TDIU claim for the period prior to February 3, 2006 is denied as there is no evidence that his service-connected disabilities rendered him unemployable during this time.

The Veteran's tinnitus is found to have had its onset during service and the Board finds that all elements necessary for service connection are met.

The Veteran's request for hearings has been addressed, and the case is being remanded due to scheduling issues. Service connection for bilateral hearing loss and tinnitus remains on appeal.

The Veteran's bilateral hearing loss and tinnitus are found to be related to in-service acoustic trauma.,The Veteran's PTSD is found to be related to his fear of hostile military or terrorist activity during service.

The Board has determined that further development is needed to properly adjudicate the Veteran's claims for service connection, including obtaining additional medical records and verifying his reported stressors.

The Veteran's service-connected disabilities do not render him unable to obtain or maintain substantially gainful employment.

The Veteran's claim for a higher rating for tinnitus was denied as there is no legal basis to assign a rating higher than the maximum allowed. The claim for service connection for sleep apnea, secondary to tinnitus, remains pending and will be remanded for additional development.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's current bilateral hearing loss and tinnitus are not related to her service, including in-service noise exposure. The evidence does not support a finding of service connection for these conditions.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's current diagnoses of bilateral hearing loss and tinnitus are not related to his military service, as evidenced by normal audiometric test results during service. The Veteran did not report any complaints or treatment for these conditions during service.

The Veteran's claim for an earlier effective date for the grant of service connection for tinnitus is denied as there is no basis to assign such a date prior to July 19, 2011.

The Board has determined that the appellant's current left knee disorder, bilateral myopia, anemia, and tinnitus are not related to service.,Service connection for these conditions is denied.

The Board has determined that the evidence is at least in equipoise as to whether the Veteran's tinnitus had its onset during active service. As a result, service connection for tinnitus is granted.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's current bilateral hearing loss disability and tinnitus are related to his military service, resolving doubt in favor of the Veteran.

The Board denied service connection for bilateral hearing loss and tinnitus, finding that the Veteran's current conditions are not related to his military service.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's tinnitus is likely due to his in-service noise exposure, and service connection for this condition is granted.

The Board has granted service connection for tinnitus and dysthymic disorder/depression, finding that the Veteran's conditions are at least as likely as not related to his active service. The hypertension claim is remanded due to insufficient evidence regarding its etiology.