Tinnitus (ringing in the ears) decisions — 2017

The Veteran's bilateral hearing loss and tinnitus have been rated at the highest possible schedular evaluations, but he is unemployable due to these service-connected disabilities. The TDIU claim has been granted.

The Veteran's tinnitus is found to be secondary to his service-connected allergic rhinitis with sinusitis. For the period prior to September 10, 2012, the Veteran's combined disability rating did not meet the criteria for a TDIU under schedular guidelines.

The Veteran's service-connected PTSD with anxiety is granted, rated at 30 percent prior to August 26, 2015 and increased to 50 percent thereafter. Bilateral hearing loss and tinnitus are also granted as related to service noise exposure.

The Veteran's service connection claims for bilateral hearing loss and tinnitus have been granted. Bilateral hearing loss is found to be related to active service, while tinnitus is proximately due to the service-connected bilateral hearing loss.

The Veteran's service-connected disabilities render him unable to secure or follow a substantially gainful occupation.

The Board found that the Veteran's bilateral hearing loss and tinnitus did not have their onset or manifestation in service, and therefore denied his claims for service connection.

The Board has granted service connection for tinnitus and denied service connection for bilateral hearing loss and a right knee disability. The effective date for the award of special monthly pension based on need for aid and attendance is set at July 8, 2014.

The Veteran's tinnitus is found to be related to his in-service noise exposure, and service connection for this condition is granted.

The Veteran's character of discharge for his final period of service from March 1997 to February 2008 is a bar to VA benefits due to the commission of offenses during that period resulting in a dishonorable discharge. The appeal has been withdrawn with respect to several issues.

The Veteran's appeal for service connection for sleep apnea was withdrawn prior to the Board making a decision.

The Board has granted service connection for bilateral hearing loss and tinnitus, finding that the Veteran's current conditions are related to his in-service exposure. The effective date is not specified as it was a direct grant of service connection.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's current bilateral hearing loss is related to his military service, and thus grants service connection for this condition. The issue of tinnitus remains pending as there are conflicting opinions regarding its etiology.

The Veteran's tinnitus is service-connected as secondary to his service-connected bilateral hearing loss. The claims for service connection for bilateral knee disorders, hypertension, and loss of vision in the right eye are denied due to lack of evidence linking these conditions with service. The Veteran's allergic rhinitis is currently rated noncompensably disabling.

The Board has granted service connection for bilateral hearing loss and tinnitus, finding that the Veteran's symptoms began in service. The appeal of PTSD was withdrawn by the Veteran.

The Veteran's service-connected disabilities, including depression, bilateral hearing loss, and tinnitus, have rendered him unable to secure or maintain substantially gainful employment since April 29, 2011.

The Veteran's claim for TDIU is being remanded due to the need for additional development, including a new VA examination and consideration of all service-connected disabilities in combination.

The Board has granted service connection for tinnitus and sleep apnea as secondary to PTSD. Service connection for bilateral hearing loss remains denied.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's left ear hearing loss and tinnitus are related to his service, warranting service connection for these conditions.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's bilateral hearing loss and tinnitus are directly related to his military service, including exposure to noise during service. As a result, the claims for service connection have been granted.

The Veteran's appeal is remanded for additional development, including obtaining VA treatment records and scheduling a VA audiological examination to assess the impact of his service-connected bilateral hearing loss and tinnitus on his employability.