Tinnitus (ringing in the ears) decisions — 2017

The Veteran's PTSD claim is denied as there is no credible supporting evidence of an in-service stressor.,The Veteran's right leg condition and hearing loss claims are denied due to lack of medical evidence showing a current disability or connection to service.,The Veteran's tinnitus claim is denied as the claimed event did not occur during service, and there is no competent evidence linking it to service.

The Board found that new and material evidence had been received to reopen the claim of service connection for PTSD, but denied the claim as there was no diagnosis of PTSD in accordance with VA criteria. The Veteran's acquired psychiatric disorder was not linked to his active service. Service connection for bilateral hearing loss and tinnitus was also denied due to lack of a nexus between the disorders and service.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's hearing loss and tinnitus are etiologically related to his in-service noise exposure, resolving all reasonable doubt in favor of the Veteran. As a result, service connection is granted for both conditions.

The Veteran's appeal is being remanded due to the need for a hearing before a Veterans Law Judge at the local RO.

The Veteran's appeal is being remanded due to the failure of a scheduled hearing before a Veterans Law Judge sitting at the RO. The case will be returned for further action.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's obstructive sleep apnea and tinnitus are service-connected, with both conditions having a direct link to his military service.

The Board has granted the Veteran's claims to reopen for service connection for bilateral hearing loss and tinnitus, finding that new evidence supports these claims. Service connection is now granted for both conditions.

The Board denied service connection for bilateral hearing loss and tinnitus, finding that the Veteran's current hearing acuity did not meet VA compensation criteria for a disability. The claims were based on direct evidence of in-service noise exposure without additional medical nexus.

The Board has granted service connection for bilateral upper and lower extremity peripheral neuropathy, right ear hearing loss, left ear hearing loss, and tinnitus. The back disability claim is being remanded.

The Veteran's service-connected disabilities, including PTSD, scars, tinnitus, and bilateral hearing loss, have rendered him unemployable due to his education and occupational experience.

The Veteran's service-connected disabilities do not render him unable to secure and follow a substantially gainful occupation consistent with his education and occupational experiences.

The Veteran's tinnitus was granted service connection and a rating of 30 percent for IBS throughout the appeal period. The Veteran's IBS is rated at 30 percent, with no higher ratings considered.

The Veteran's TDIU claim is granted as his service-connected disabilities result in a functional impairment of being able to perform only sedentary work, and they overshadow any professional skills acquired during and after service. The Veteran meets the schedular requirement for TDIU due to combined rating of 70 percent.

The Veteran's overpayment of $6,852.00 was created due to his failure to notify VA of the death of his wife S.S.L., resulting in an overpayment for her additional benefits. The Board found that the Veteran had fault and contributed to the creation of the debt, but also noted that recovery would not violate equity and good conscience as it did not deprive him or his family of basic necessities.

The Veteran's lumbar spine disability is rated at 40 percent, and he has met the schedular criteria for a TDIU as of August 1, 2010.

The Veteran's tinnitus was first manifested during service and is presumed to have been incurred therein. The Veteran does not currently have a right ear disorder other than hearing loss.

The Veteran's hepatitis C with liver dysfunction is attributable to his active military service.,The Veteran's tinnitus is attributable to his active military service.

The appellant's appeal for service connection for a right knee disorder has been withdrawn. The Board is dismissing the issue as it no longer exists in appellate status.

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

The Veteran's claims for service connection were denied. The Board will address the issues on remand.