Tinnitus (ringing in the ears) decisions — 2017

The Veteran's service-connected PTSD and prostate cancer residuals have rendered him unable to secure or follow substantially gainful employment, warranting a TDIU.

The Board has determined that the effective date for the grant of service connection for tinnitus should be February 25, 2010. The Veteran's claim for hearing loss encompassed a claim for tinnitus at the time it was filed in February 2010. Service connection is granted for bilateral hearing loss as the evidence is in equipoise on whether it is etiologically related to service.

The Veteran's appeal is being remanded for a comprehensive VA examination to assess the combined effect of all service-connected disabilities on his ability to secure and maintain gainful employment.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's TMD and tinnitus had their onset during active duty service, are present since then, and are related to such service. As a result, both conditions have been granted service connection.

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

The Board has remanded the case to obtain a new VA audiology opinion regarding the Veteran's hearing loss and tinnitus, as the previous opinions were deemed inadequate. The Veteran is seeking service connection for these conditions.

The Veteran's service-connected thoracolumbar strain, cervical strain, and tinnitus disabilities prevent him from securing or following substantially gainful employment.

The Veteran's service-connected disabilities, including bilateral sensorineural hearing loss, PTSD, and tinnitus, did not render him unemployable as he had past work experience in a technical role that would have been unaffected by his symptoms.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's bilateral hearing loss and tinnitus are related to his military service, with the noise exposure he experienced while serving in the heavy weapons infantry. The claim for service connection is granted.

The Board has remanded the claims for further development due to the need for additional medical examination and review of recent medical records.

The Veteran's appeal for an increased rating for tinnitus and left shoulder disability was denied. The highest schedular rating available for tinnitus is 10 percent, which the Veteran already has. For the left shoulder disability, a new VA examination is needed as the Veteran reported worsening since his last evaluation in August 2009.

The Board has remanded the case for scheduling a videoconference hearing at the RO. The Veteran's appeal includes claims related to various conditions and disabilities, including tinnitus, glaucoma, allergic rhinitis/sinusitis, esotropia, diplopia, hearing loss, hypertension, GERD, and prostate cancer.

The Board has found that the Veteran's low back disorder is not related to his active service and denied the claim. The claims for bilateral hearing loss and tinnitus are remanded for further development.

The Board has granted service connection for tinnitus. For other conditions, including residuals of heat stroke and hypertension, additional medical examination and treatment records are needed to determine the nature and etiology of these claims.

The Board denied service connection for tinnitus and inner ear disability, finding no evidence of in-service injury or disease. The Veteran's current conditions are not related to his military service.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's tinnitus had its onset during his military service and granted service connection for this condition. The claim for an acquired psychiatric disorder remains pending as additional development is required.

The Board found that the Veteran's tinnitus is not related to service or a service-connected disability, and thus denied his claim.

The Board has remanded the claims of service connection for tinnitus, deviated nasal septum, low back disorder, and sleep apnea due to insufficient explanations in previous decisions. The Veteran is entitled to a new hearing on all four issues.

The Veteran is found to be unemployable due to service-connected disabilities prior to April 29, 2016.

The Veteran's tinnitus and back disability are found to be related to service, while his diabetes mellitus is not. The Veteran's claims for increased rating and service connection are granted.