Tinnitus (ringing in the ears) decisions — 2017

The Veteran's bilateral hearing loss and tinnitus are found to have started during service, meeting the criteria for service connection.

The Veteran's claims for service connection for bilateral hearing loss and tinnitus have been denied. The Board finds that the evidence does not support a finding of current disability for these conditions as defined by VA standards. For his right hand condition with carpal tunnel, the Board finds in favor of the Veteran based on credible lay statements regarding the onset and continuity of symptoms since service.

The Board found no evidence of left ear hearing loss or tinnitus in service and denied the Veteran's claims for service connection based on lack of a nexus to service.

The Board denied reopening the claims of service connection for bilateral hearing loss and tinnitus in March 2009. New evidence received since then does not relate to an unestablished fact necessary to substantiate these claims, is not new and material, and therefore the claims may not be reopened.

The Veteran's appeal has been withdrawn, and the case is dismissed.

The Veteran's service-connected disabilities have, as likely as not, precluded him from maintaining substantially gainful employment consistent with his education and work history for the period prior to May 20, 2014.

The Board has granted service connection for right knee disorders, left knee disorders, right elbow disorders, and left elbow disorders. Tinnitus was also found to have originated during service.

The Veteran's appeal for special monthly compensation (SMC) is denied as he does not meet the criteria for SMC based on need for aid and attendance due to non-service connected right lung adenocarcinoma. The preponderance of evidence shows that his need for additional care is due to lung cancer, which is not service-connected.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's bilateral hearing loss and tinnitus are etiologically related to noise exposure in service, granting service connection for both conditions.

The Veteran's service-connected disabilities, including bilateral hearing loss and tinnitus, have not been shown to be of such severity as to preclude his participation in any substantially gainful employment.

The Board has remanded the case for further development, including obtaining VA treatment records and readjudicating the claims. The Veteran's appeal is currently pending.

The Veteran's psychiatric condition has been rated at 70 percent, and he is granted a TDIU based on his service-connected disabilities.

The Board has remanded the Veteran's claims for additional development due to inpatient treatment and undeliverable mail. The appeal is now pending again.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's right foot hallux rigidus is etiologically related to an in-service injury, and service connection for this condition is granted.

The Board has determined that new and material evidence has been received to reopen the claim of service connection for a low back disability. The Veteran's degenerative changes and lordosis of the lumbar spine are found to be related to his in-service injury, raising reasonable doubt in favor of the Veteran. Service connection is granted for bilateral hearing loss and tinnitus due to exposure to loud noise during military service.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's bilateral hearing loss and tinnitus are not related to his active service, and therefore denied these claims.

The Veteran's bilateral hearing loss and tinnitus are related to service, while his lower back disorder, left knee disorder, and acquired psychiatric disorders are not.

The Board has decided to remand the case for additional development, including obtaining a VA audiology examination and reviewing the September 2013 private medical opinion.

The Board has found that the Veteran's tinnitus, bilateral hearing loss, and asbestosis are related to service. The claim for service connection is granted.

The Veteran's service-connected disabilities do not render him unable to obtain and maintain substantially gainful employment, thus the criteria for TDIU have not been met.