Tinnitus (ringing in the ears) decisions — 2017

The Veteran's initial ratings for bilateral hearing loss and tinnitus remain at 10 percent, as the evidence does not meet criteria for higher evaluations.

The Veteran is seeking a Total Disability Rating Based on Individual Unemployability (TDIU) for the period prior to October 17, 2016. The Board has determined that this issue must be referred to the VA Under Secretary for Benefits or the VA Director of Compensation and Pension Service for adjudication under 38 C.F.R. § 4.16(b).,The Veteran is also seeking a TDIU for the period from October 17, 2016. The combined schedular disability rating for all service-connected disabilities during this period does not meet the minimum combined rating criteria under 38 C.F.R. § 4.16(a) for eligibility for TDIU.

The Veteran's service-connected bilateral hearing loss has been rated at 60 percent since November 12, 2015. The Board finds that the Veteran is unemployable due to his service-connected disabilities and grants TDIU on a schedular basis from this date.

The Veteran's service-connected disabilities are reasonably shown to be of such nature and severity as to preclude his participation in any regular substantially gainful employment consistent with his education and occupational experience, warranting a TDIU rating.

The Board found that the Veteran's bilateral hearing loss and tinnitus are not related to his military service, as evidenced by normal hearing at separation and no in-service complaints or treatment for these conditions.

The Veteran's service-connected coronary artery disease, PTSD, tinnitus, and hypertension qualify him for special monthly compensation based on housebound status under the provisions of 38 U.S.C.A. § 1114(s).

The Board has granted service connection for tinnitus and found that the Veteran's left knee pain with limitation of motion is related to his military service. The issue of entitlement to service connection for sleep apnea, including sleep disturbances, remains pending.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's bilateral hearing loss and tinnitus are due to in-service noise exposure, granting service connection for these conditions.

The Veteran's service-connected disabilities result in the loss of use of both lower extremities, such as to preclude locomotion without the aid of braces, crutches, canes, or a wheelchair. Therefore, she is entitled to specially adapted housing but not special home adaptations.

The Veteran's lung cancer was not service-connected as it did not manifest in service and there is no evidence linking the condition to asbestos exposure or any other inservice event.,There are no diagnosed cold weather injury residuals, and thus service connection for cold weather injuries cannot be granted. The Veteran had no documented cold weather injuries during his military service.

Your service connection for bilateral patulous Eustachian tubes has been granted. There are no other current disabilities affecting the bilateral ears, and your appeal is dismissed as moot.

The Veteran's appeal is being remanded for scheduling a Travel Board hearing. The issues of entitlement to an increased rating for lumbar spine disability and service connection for tinnitus are still pending.

The Veteran's claims for service connection for bilateral hearing loss and tinnitus were denied as there is no evidence of a current disability that is related to his active duty service.

The Veteran's service-connected disabilities do not preclude substantially gainful employment, and the criteria for a TDIU are not met.

The Veteran's TDIU claim is being remanded for further review by the VA Director of Compensation Service to determine if an extraschedular TDIU is warranted due to his service-connected disabilities.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's tinnitus originated during active service and is granted service connection.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's tinnitus and bilateral hearing loss are service-connected, with the exception of the hearing loss claim which is remanded.

The Board has decided to remand the case for additional development, including obtaining a new VA medical opinion and gathering additional evidence from the Veteran.

The Veteran's service-connected disabilities combine to a 60 percent rating and do not prevent the Veteran from securing or following a substantially gainful occupation.

The Board finds that the preponderance of competent and credible evidence does not support a finding that the Veteran has a current right ear disability related to a ruptured right ear drum during his active duty service.