Tinnitus (ringing in the ears) decisions — 2017

The Board found that the Veteran's current disabilities of bilateral hearing loss, tinnitus, thoracolumbar strain, cervical spine disability, and right leg sciatica are not related to his military service. The evidence did not establish a direct link between these conditions and his active duty.

The Veteran's claim for an increased disability rating of 40 percent for back disability, including radiculopathy, was granted with a current effective date of March 11, 2010. Effective dates were also established for service connection for right lower extremity radiculopathy and tinnitus on the same day.

The Veteran's service-connected PTSD, along with other disabilities, has resulted in occupational and social impairment that warrants a 70 percent rating.

The Veteran's service-connected disabilities have rendered him unable to secure and maintain substantially gainful employment, and the Board has determined that his claim for TDIU is granted.

The Veteran's service-connected conditions have rendered him in need of regular aid and attendance, which has been granted special monthly compensation based on this need.

The Veteran's tinnitus has been granted service connection, and his PTSD is rated at the maximum allowable under VA guidelines. The hearing loss claim remains pending, as does the TDIU issue.

The Board has granted service connection for bilateral hearing loss and tinnitus, finding that the evidence is at least in equipoise regarding these claims.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's claims for bilateral hearing loss, tinnitus, and a dental disability need further examination and analysis. The case is being remanded to obtain an adequate medical opinion regarding these issues.

The Board has granted service connection for tinnitus and found that the Veteran's current tinnitus is due to noise exposure in service. The claim of bilateral hearing loss was also granted, with a finding that it is related to service.

The Veteran's appeal for a higher rating for bilateral hearing loss was dismissed as the Veteran withdrew his claim. The Board granted entitlement to TDIU due to service-connected disabilities, finding that with reasonable doubt resolved in favor of the Veteran, he is unable to secure and follow substantially gainful employment.

The Veteran's appeal is remanded for additional development, including obtaining a VA examination to assess the nature and etiology of his bilateral hearing loss, tinnitus, and lung condition. The AOJ must also verify any in-service asbestos exposure.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's current bilateral hearing loss and tinnitus are not related to his active duty service, as there is no persuasive medical evidence linking these conditions to noise exposure during service.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's bilateral hearing loss and tinnitus did not manifest during service or within one year of separation, and are unrelated to any noise exposure in service. Therefore, the claims for service connection have been denied.

The Board finds that the evidence is in equipoise as to whether the Veteran's currently diagnosed tinnitus is etiologically related, at least in part, to in-service noise exposure. Given this finding and resolving reasonable doubt in favor of the Veteran, service connection for bilateral tinnitus is granted.

The Veteran's claims for increased PTSD and TDIU prior to January 3, 2012 are denied. The Board finds that the Veteran is not entitled to a higher evaluation for his PTSD or entitlement to TDIU due to service-connected disabilities.

The Veteran's claim for service connection for diabetic peripheral neuropathy of the bilateral lower extremities, as secondary to his service-connected diabetes mellitus was denied. The Board found that there is no current diagnosis of peripheral neuropathy related to diabetes or service.

The Veteran was found unable to secure and maintain substantially gainful employment due to his service-connected disabilities from November 28, 2007, to October 27, 2010.

The Veteran's service-connected disabilities preclude him from obtaining and maintaining substantially gainful employment consistent with his education and occupational experience prior to February 13, 2013.

The Veteran's claims for service connection for bilateral hearing loss and tinnitus were received on July 20, 2011. The effective date of the grant of service connection is set at that date.,The Veteran's current disability ratings for bilateral hearing loss (noncompensable) and tinnitus (10%) are not higher than what was assigned.

The Board has granted service connection for tinnitus, finding that the Veteran's reported continuity of symptoms since service is credible. Service connection was denied for hearing loss.