Tinnitus (ringing in the ears) decisions — 2018

The Board has determined that additional development is needed to properly adjudicate the Veteran's claims for service connection for bilateral hearing loss and tinnitus. The case will be remanded for further examination and opinion.

The Veteran's bilateral hearing loss and tinnitus are granted as service connected. The Board found that the current disabilities were not incurred in or due to his military service, but rather resulted from hazardous noise exposure during his Army National Guard service.

The Veteran's appeal for service connection for bilateral hearing loss was dismissed. The Veteran's claim for tinnitus has been granted, as it is presumed incurred in service. The Veteran's claims for a left shoulder disability and psoriasis have been remanded.

The Veteran's claim for an effective date prior to April 28, 2010, and a higher initial rating for Meniere’s disease with hearing loss and tinnitus was denied. The Board found that the earliest communication indicating intent to apply for service connection for Meniere’s disease was received on April 28, 2010.

The Board has reopened the claim for service connection for a low back disability due to new and material evidence. The claims for bilateral hearing loss, tinnitus, and an acquired psychiatric disorder (anxiety disorder) are remanded.

The Veteran's tinnitus is found to have started during service and has persisted since, meeting the criteria for service connection.

The Board has granted service connection for tinnitus, but denied service connection for bilateral hearing loss and left ankle disability. The case is remanded to obtain a VA examination for the left ankle disability.

The Veteran's claims for service connection for bilateral hearing loss and tinnitus have been denied as there is no evidence of a nexus between the conditions and his military service.

The Veteran's claims for service connection for bilateral hearing loss disability and tinnitus were granted, but the Board found that there was no evidence of a nexus between these conditions and his military service.

The Board has remanded the Veteran's claims for left ear hearing loss, right ear hearing loss, bilateral tinnitus, and left ankle disorder due to potential aggravation during service.

The Board has granted service connection for bilateral tinnitus but has remanded the issue of service connection for bilateral hearing loss due to insufficient evidence.

The Board has denied service connection for tinnitus, neck disability, left arm numbness and tingling, and right arm numbness and tingling as they are not related to service. The case is being remanded for a new VA examination to assess the severity of the Veteran's low back disability.

The Board has granted service connection for bilateral hearing loss and tinnitus, finding that these conditions are at least as likely as not related to the Veteran's in-service noise exposure.

The Veteran's service-connected PTSD, tinnitus, and bilateral hearing loss do not prevent him from securing or following a substantial gainful occupation.

The Board has granted service connection for tinnitus. The claims of service connection for low back disorder, right knee disorder, and bilateral hearing loss are remanded due to insufficient evidence.

The Board has determined that a new audiology examination is necessary to determine whether the Veteran currently has hearing loss for VA disability purposes and its relationship, if any, to military service. A new medical examination and opinion will also be required for the Veteran's tinnitus claim.

The Board dismissed all issues on appeal due to the Veteran's death.

The Veteran's service-connected bilateral hearing loss and tinnitus do not render him unable to secure or follow a substantially gainful occupation, as he has not provided sufficient information about his employment status.

The Board has granted service connection for tinnitus. The cases of bilateral hearing loss and right and left knee disorders are remanded due to incomplete records and need for further examination.

The Veteran's claim for a TDIU during the period from September 1, 2007 to October 31, 2009 is being remanded due to concerns raised by the Court regarding the assignment of an extraschedular rating. The case will be referred to the Director of Compensation and Pension Service for consideration.