Tinnitus (ringing in the ears) decisions — 2017

The Board finds that the Veteran's tinnitus had its onset during service and has continued since then, granting service connection for tinnitus. The hearing loss disability is denied as there is no evidence of a nexus to service.

The Veteran's service-connected disabilities have not resulted in permanent and total disability that would qualify him for specially adapted housing or home adaptation grant.

The Veteran's overpayment debt for additional VA compensation benefits for her dependent spouse was granted, except for the period from April 2004 to October 2004 when she was not married.

The Veteran's service-connected disabilities alone are not of sufficient severity to produce unemployability, and the Board finds that referral to the Director, VA Compensation and Pension Service, is not warranted.

The Board has granted service connection for the Veteran's tinnitus, finding that it is etiologically related to his military service.

The Veteran's service-connected disabilities, including PTSD and lumbar degenerative changes, collectively preclude him from securing and maintaining substantially gainful employment.

The Veteran's claims for service connection for an acquired psychiatric disorder, bilateral hearing loss, tinnitus, and a left shoulder disability were denied. The Board found that the evidence did not support a finding of nexus between these conditions and service.

The Board found that the Veteran does not have any currently diagnosed residuals of gallbladder removal and denied his claim for service connection. The claims for hearing loss, tinnitus, lumbar spine disorder, peripheral neuropathy of the upper extremities, and lower extremities were also denied as there was no evidence linking these conditions to service.

The Veteran's claims for effective dates prior to December 9, 2009, for the grants of service connection for bilateral tinnitus and left ear hearing loss were denied as there is no evidence of record to demonstrate that such claims were received prior to December 9, 2009.

The Board has determined that there is an approximate balance of positive and negative evidence regarding the Veteran's claims for bilateral hearing loss disability and tinnitus, and thus affords him the benefit of the doubt. The Board finds service connection is warranted for these conditions.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's tinnitus is related to his active service and granted service connection for this condition. The VA examination did not provide a clear opinion regarding the etiology of the Veteran's foot disorder, eye disorder, or hearing disability.

The Veteran's TDIU claim is being remanded due to the need for additional development, including a vocational rehabilitation examination.

The Veteran's tinnitus did not manifest during service or within one year of separation and is not otherwise related to service. Therefore, the claim for service connection for tinnitus is denied.

The Board has determined that the Veteran does not have a current left ear hearing loss disability for VA compensation purposes and denied service connection for right ear hearing loss and tinnitus. The evidence did not show chronic symptoms of right ear hearing loss or tinnitus during service, nor were they shown to be related to military noise exposure.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's service-connected disabilities render him unable to secure or maintain substantially gainful employment, and thus grants his claim for a total disability rating based on individual unemployability (TDIU).

The Veteran's claim for higher levels of SMC based on service-connected disabilities was denied as his conditions do not meet the legal criteria for such benefits.

The Veteran's service-connected disabilities, by themselves or in concert, have not been sufficient at any time to render him unable to secure or follow a substantially gainful occupation consistent with his education and occupational experience.

The Board has dismissed the Veteran's claims for service connection for a right eardrum disorder, respiratory disorder, and left elbow and thumb disorders. The remaining issues of service connection for tinnitus, bilateral hearing loss, cervical spine disability, low back disability, increased ratings for the right and left knees, right forearm scar, left cornea scar, and left shoulder disorder are denied.

The Board has remanded the case due to the Veteran not having responded to a request for a hearing. The case will be scheduled for a videoconference or travel board hearing before a member of the Board.

The Board has determined that the evidence is sufficient to substantiate the Veteran's claim for entitlement to service connection for tinnitus, and thus grants this claim.