Tinnitus (ringing in the ears) decisions — 2017

The Veteran is granted SMC based on housebound status beyond December 1, 2012. He has a single service-connected disability rated as 100 percent due to diabetes mellitus and its associated conditions.

The Board found that the recoupment of separation pay from VA compensation benefits was proper and required by law, but acknowledged the financial hardship it caused to the Veteran.

The Board denied an earlier effective date for the grant of service connection for tinnitus, finding that the Veteran's June 1997 claim did not include a claim for tinnitus and that his September 1997 denial was final.

The Veteran's bilateral hearing loss and tinnitus are found to be service-connected. The Veteran's hiatal hernia and multiple gallstones are not service-connected.

The Veteran's appeal has been dismissed due to the death of the appellant during the pendency of the appeal.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's tinnitus and a head injury with resultant TBI with residual vertigo and visual disability are attributable to service. The claim for PTSD is also granted as it is related to fear of hostile military activity during service.

The Veteran withdrew his appeals for a compensable rating for service-connected bilateral hearing loss and an initial evaluation in excess of 10 percent for tinnitus since July 10, 2010.

The Veteran's service-connected disabilities rendered him unable to secure and follow a substantially gainful occupation since August 4, 2010. The Board has granted a TDIU effective from that date.

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

The Board has granted a dependency allowance for the Veteran's dependent spouse, K.M.V., and has reopened several previously denied claims of service connection.

The Board has determined that the Veteran likely has bilateral hearing loss and tinnitus that are attributable to his military service, resolving reasonable doubt in his favor. Therefore, the claims for service connection for these conditions have been granted.

The Board has denied the Veteran's claims for service connection for bilateral hearing loss, tinnitus, and otitis media as there is no competent evidence linking these conditions to his military service.

The Veteran's tinnitus and bilateral hearing loss are found to be related to his military service. The Board also finds that the Veteran has a current diagnosis of peripheral neuropathy due to cold injury in service, which is considered as part of the same claim.

The Board has remanded the case for additional development due to outstanding service treatment records. The Veteran's claims for bilateral hearing loss and tinnitus will be reconsidered after obtaining these records.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's claims to reopen his service connection for bilateral hearing loss disability and tinnitus must be remanded due to a failure to provide proper VCAA notice.

The Board finds that the Veteran does not have a current diagnosis of tinnitus and therefore, service connection for this condition cannot be established. The issue regarding an initial compensable rating for bilateral hearing loss is also addressed.

The Veteran's claim for service connection for bridging of the left anterior descending artery with diastolic or systolic collapse is being remanded. The Board finds that tinnitus was incurred during wartime service and grants this issue.

The Board found that the Veteran's current bilateral hearing loss and tinnitus did not have their onset during service or within one year of service separation, and thus denied service connection for these conditions.

The Veteran does not have bilateral hearing loss or tinnitus that is the result of disease or injury incurred in or aggravated during active military service.

The Veteran's appeal is being remanded due to the Court's decision, and he will be provided a new VA examination for his psychiatric disorder, bilateral hearing loss, and tinnitus.