Tinnitus (ringing in the ears) decisions — 2018

The Board has decided to remand the claims of service connection for chronic otitis media, tinnitus, and bilateral hearing loss due to incomplete development. The Veteran is required to provide additional information about any outstanding VA treatment records and authorization to obtain such records.

The Veteran's tinnitus and diabetic neuropathy of the bilateral feet are granted service connection. The hand disability (CTS) is remanded for further development.

The Board has remanded the cases due to non-compliance with a previous directive and because of the inextricably intertwined nature of the hearing loss and tinnitus claims.

The Veteran's claims for bilateral hearing loss and tinnitus were denied as there was no evidence to support a service connection, with the VA examiner concluding that current hearing loss is more likely due to presbycusis (age-related hearing loss).

The Veteran's appeal was dismissed due to withdrawal of the appeal for a higher evaluation for tinnitus. The remaining issues (shin splints, IBS, and an acquired psychiatric disorder) are remanded for further development.

The Veteran was granted service connection for tinnitus and an acquired psychiatric disorder (including PTSD and depressive disorder), but denied service connection for bilateral hearing loss.,Service connection was established for the Veteran's tinnitus based on his credible testimony of in-service noise exposure, despite not meeting VA criteria for a hearing loss disability.

The Board has granted service connection for bilateral hearing loss and tinnitus based on continuity of symptoms since service, as the Veteran reported noticing these conditions during service and they have continued to worsen since separation.

The Veteran's tinnitus is found to be related to his military service, and the claim for service connection is granted.

The Veteran's PTSD symptoms have been rated at 70 percent for the entire period on appeal, and he is granted a TDIU effective from August 25, 2011. The issues of service connection for tinnitus, bilateral hearing loss, and an increased rating for PTSD are remanded.

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

The Veteran's tinnitus was not incurred in or aggravated by service and is unrelated to service.

The Veteran's PTSD is currently rated at 50 percent, and the Board denied an increased rating. The Veteran also does not meet the criteria for a TDIU due to his service-connected disabilities.

The Veteran's major depressive disorder is granted as secondary to his service-connected disabilities. The Veteran's TDIU claim is also granted, and the issue of increased rating for bilateral plantar fasciitis is remanded.

The Veteran's TDIU claim for PTSD is denied as his service-connected disabilities do not prevent him from securing and following substantially gainful employment.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's tinnitus began during his military service and granted service connection for this condition.

The Veteran's appeal is being remanded for additional examinations to determine the severity of his service-connected lumbar spine and left knee disabilities, as well as for a right knee disorder and inguinal hernia. The claims for increased ratings are also being remanded.

The Board has decided to remand the Veteran's claims for bilateral hearing loss and tinnitus as there is insufficient evidence in the record to determine their etiology.

The Board has granted service connection for bilateral tinnitus but remanded the issue of service connection for a skin disorder due to lack of sufficient evidence.

The Veteran's tinnitus and unspecified depressive disorder with anxiety are granted service connection. The case is remanded for additional examinations to determine the nature and etiology of hypertension and a right eye disorder, as well as whether these conditions are secondary to or aggravated by service-connected disabilities.

The Veteran's service connection claims for bilateral hearing loss and tinnitus are granted. The right hand disability claim is remanded.