Tinnitus (ringing in the ears) decisions — 2017

The Veteran's cause of death, cerebrovascular accident due to abnormal clotting due to questionable atrial fibrillation, is being reviewed for potential service connection. The VA examiner found that the Veteran’s service-connected disabilities did not contribute substantially or materially to his death.

The Board has remanded the case due to inadequate rationale in a September 2010 VA examination and the Veteran's contention of tinnitus occurring daily. A new VA opinion is needed to address these issues.

The Board denied the Veteran's claims for service connection for bilateral hearing loss and tinnitus, finding that there was no evidence of in-service noise exposure or a pre-existing condition aggravated by service. The current diagnoses were not related to military service.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's tinnitus had its onset during her active military service and is related to her service, granting her claim for service connection.

The Veteran's bilateral hearing loss and tinnitus are found to be related to his active service, with the Board granting service connection for both conditions.

The Veteran's service-connected migraines were characterized by frequent prostrating attacks productive of severe economic inadaptability, warranting a 50% disability rating prior to May 6, 2015.,Service connection for tinnitus was granted. The Veteran has been experiencing recurrent tinnitus following in-service noise exposure and it is presumed related to his service-connected migraines.

The Board has determined that the effective date for the grant of service connection for tinnitus is July 31, 2009.

The Veteran's appeal for service connection for tinnitus has been withdrawn by his representative.

The Veteran's service-connected disabilities (bilateral hearing loss and tinnitus) are found to be of such severity that they prevent him from securing or following a substantially gainful occupation, thus meeting the criteria for a TDIU rating.

The Veteran's tinnitus is currently rated at the maximum available evaluation of 10 percent.,Prior to September 1, 2015, his bilateral hearing loss disability was not compensable. However, as of that date, it warrants a 10 percent rating.,Effective from September 1, 2015, the Veteran's bilateral hearing loss disability is rated at 10 percent.

The Board has granted service connection for tinnitus and found that the Veteran's current tinnitus is at least as likely as not related to her in-service noise exposure. The issue of a compensable rating for her right thumb disability remains pending.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's tinnitus is related to his military service and granted service connection for this condition. The decision on bilateral hearing loss disability remains pending as it requires additional development.

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

The Veteran's appeal is being remanded due to the failure to schedule a hearing. The issues of entitlement to service connection for bilateral hearing loss and tinnitus are still pending.

The Veteran's appeal is being remanded for further development and readjudication of the claims. The AOJ will consider all evidence received since the last Supplemental Statements of the Case (SSOC) in conjunction with prior evidence.

The Veteran's service-connected disabilities necessitate the need for regular aid and attendance, which has been established by medical evidence and consistent lay statements. As a result, the Veteran is granted special monthly compensation based on the need for regular aid and attendance.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's hearing loss and tinnitus are at least as likely as not related to his in-service noise exposure, thus granting service connection for both conditions.

The Veteran's tinnitus is not related to service, and his left eye disability does not meet the criteria for a higher initial evaluation.,His hemorrhoids are currently rated based on their current manifestations.

The Board has determined that the Veteran does not have hepatitis C, a right eye disability, right ear hearing loss, tinnitus, or a cervical spine disability that is related to service. The claims are therefore denied.

The Veteran's service-connected conditions, including COPD, right shoulder and hand disabilities, and hypertension, have rendered him in need of regular aid and attendance due to his inability to dress, feed himself, prepare meals, or bathe without assistance.