Tinnitus (ringing in the ears) decisions — 2017

The Board has remanded the case for further development and readjudication, including consideration of all evidence received since the August 2011 Statement of the Case.

The Veteran's service-connected bilateral hearing loss and tinnitus were evaluated, with the hearing loss rated at 30 percent effective November 6, 2013. The tinnitus was assigned a maximum 10 percent rating.

The Board has determined that new and material evidence has been received to reopen the previously denied claims of service connection for bilateral hearing loss and tinnitus. The Veteran's tinnitus is found to be related to his in-service noise exposure, and thus service connection is granted.

The Veteran's claims for increased ratings and earlier effective dates were denied. The Veteran was not granted a higher rating for his tinnitus or an earlier effective date for the grants of service connection for bilateral hearing loss and tinnitus.

The Board has reopened the claim of service connection for tinnitus and granted entitlement to service connection for bilateral hearing loss disability. The Veteran's symptoms, including tinnitus and hearing loss, are linked to his active service.

The Veteran's PTSD and major depression with alcohol and marijuana dependence are rated at 70 percent, warranting a higher evaluation. The Veteran also has additional service-connected disabilities independently ratable at 60 percent or more disabling, which is separate from his TDIU.

The Board found that the Veteran does not have a current diagnosis of a left wrist disability and denied service connection for bilateral wrist disabilities. The Board also found that the Veteran has tinnitus that is at least as likely as not incurred in service, granted service connection for tinnitus. Service connection was denied for bilateral plantar warts and neck disability due to lack of evidence linking these conditions to service.

The Veteran's appeal is denied as his service-connected conditions do not warrant a higher rating under the applicable diagnostic codes.

The Veteran's claims for service connection are being remanded due to the need for additional development and examination.

The Veteran's tinnitus was found to have begun following in-service noise exposure and has continued since service. The Board granted service connection for tinnitus.

The Board has determined that additional development is needed to properly adjudicate the Veteran's claims for service connection for bilateral hearing loss and tinnitus. The case will be remanded for an addendum opinion from a VA examiner regarding the etiology of the Veteran's hearing loss, taking into account his periods of active duty training (ACDUTRA) and inactive duty training (INACDUTRA).

The Veteran's TDIU and DEA benefits were granted effective November 5, 2008. The initial disability rating for diabetic nephropathy was increased to 60 percent in February 2007.

The Veteran's cervical spine disorder is related to his in-service neck injury and granted service connection.,There is no evidence of a current hip or thigh disorder, and thus service connection for these conditions is denied.,There is no evidence of a current groin disorder (including inguinal hernia and epididymitis), and thus service connection for this condition is denied.,The Veteran's bilateral pes planus was noted on his service entrance examination and did not increase in severity during service, so service connection is denied. His arthritis of the feet is also denied as it did not manifest within one year after service or to a compensable degree.,Service connection for tinnitus is denied because there is no evidence of chronicity in service or continuity of symptomatology since service.,The Veteran's left knee arthritis is denied as it manifested many years after service and is not related to his in-service knee injury. Similarly, the right knee arthritis is also denied.,reasoning for decision_summary_1

The Veteran does not have tinnitus that is related to his service and the claim for service connection has been denied.

The Board has determined that a remand is necessary to obtain an addendum opinion regarding the etiology of the Veteran's claimed bilateral hearing loss and tinnitus. The case will be returned for further review.

The Veteran's service-connected disabilities, including PTSD, IBS, gout, tinnitus, lumbar spine disc disease, and a right shoulder disability, have led to significant employment challenges. The proposed vocational rehabilitation plan does not include obtaining a Master’s Degree as it is deemed not reasonably feasible given the Veteran's current circumstances.

The Board has determined that new and material evidence has been received to reopen the Veteran's claim for service connection for bilateral hearing loss. The Board also finds that the Veteran's current bilateral hearing loss is related to his military service, thus granting service connection for this condition. Similarly, the Board has found that the Veteran's tinnitus is related to his military service and grants service connection for this condition.

The Veteran's service-connected PTSD is currently rated at 70 percent, and he has been granted a TDIU based on his combined disability rating.

The Board has determined that there is an approximate balance of positive and negative evidence regarding the Veteran's claims for bilateral hearing loss and tinnitus, and thus resolves doubt in favor of the Veteran. The Veteran meets the criteria for service connection for both conditions.

The Board has determined that the Veteran does not have a current diagnosis of tinnitus, Parkinson's disease, or stuttering and therefore service connection for these conditions is denied.