Tinnitus (ringing in the ears) decisions — 2018

Your claims for bilateral hearing loss and tinnitus have already been granted in a previous rating decision, so there is no new issue to appeal.

The Veteran's service-connected disabilities do not prevent him from securing or following a substantially gainful occupation.

The Veteran's claim for service connection for tinnitus is granted. The Veteran's claim for service connection for bilateral hearing loss disability is remanded due to the need for additional evidence and a new VA examination.

The Board has remanded the claims of service connection for bilateral hearing loss, tinnitus, and a skin condition due to lack of recent VA treatment records and unclear evidence regarding current tinnitus.

The claim for service connection for lung disorder, including restrictive pulmonary function is granted. The claims for bilateral hearing loss and tinnitus are remanded.

The Veteran's claims for bilateral sensorineural hearing loss and tinnitus were denied as they did not have onset during service or due to in-service noise exposure. The initial ratings for left and right elbow disabilities, including limitation of motion and impairment, are remanded.

The Veteran's tinnitus and rhinitis have been granted service connection. The Board has remanded the claims for chronic pain disorder, bilateral hearing loss, depressive disorder, and eczema due to unclear etiology and severity.

The Veteran's claims of service connection for bilateral knee condition, bilateral hearing loss, tinnitus, and hypertension have been reopened. The evidence now supports the possibility that these conditions may be related to his military service.

The Board has remanded the Veteran's claims of service connection for bilateral hearing loss, tinnitus, and erectile dysfunction due to insufficient medical information. Additional development is required including obtaining a pre-employment audiogram report, scheduling an examination to determine the etiology of these conditions, and providing an opinion on whether they are related to active service.

The Board has remanded the Veteran's claims for service connection due to insufficient evidence and need for further examination.

The Veteran's claim for service connection for tinnitus is granted. The claims of service connection for bilateral wrist, hand, knee, and ankle disorders are remanded due to the need for additional examinations and opinions. The claim for service connection for a sinus disorder characterized by nosebleeds is remanded with consideration of exposure to dust storms and burn pits. The claim for service connection for bilateral peripheral neuropathy of lower extremities is remanded with consideration of in-service treatment records.

The Board has found that more evidence is needed to decide the claims for service connection for various disabilities, and has ordered a Supplemental Statement of the Case (SSOC) with consideration of new VA treatment records.

The Board has remanded the issues of service connection for tinnitus, heart disability (including ischemic heart disease and coronary artery disease), obstructive sleep apnea, hypertension, bilateral upper and lower extremity peripheral neuropathy, erectile dysfunction, and kidney disability. The Veteran is to be provided with a VA examination regarding his claimed tinnitus.

The Veteran's tinnitus is granted service connection and an initial rating of 70 percent for bipolar disorder prior to February 17, 2017. The Veteran also receives a TDIU determination prior to that date. The claim for a higher rating for lumbar spine strain remains pending.

The Veteran's tinnitus and headache disorder are granted service connection, while the left knee disability is granted a 20% rating. The left knee disability will not be rated higher than 60%. The decision also includes findings on increased ratings for other conditions.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's claims for an earlier effective date for service connection for PTSD based on in-service personal assault are not supported by evidence and requires further development, including providing notice and scheduling a VA examination.

The Veteran's tinnitus and skin rash have been granted service connection. The tinnitus is considered a direct result of noise exposure during active duty, while the skin rash began in service and is related to service.

The Board has granted service connection for tinnitus and remanded the issue of a higher initial disability rating for bilateral hearing loss.

Service connection for a respiratory disability is denied as the evidence does not support that it began during service or is related to an in-service injury, event, or disease.,An initial rating in excess of 10 percent for bilateral hearing loss is denied as the current ratings are already at the maximum allowed under VA regulations.,Service connection for tinnitus is denied as there is no legal basis to award a higher schedular rating.

The Veteran's tinnitus is granted as service connected. The Veteran's headaches are granted a 30% evaluation, but not higher.