Tinnitus (ringing in the ears) decisions — 2018

The Board has remanded the Veteran's claims for heart disability, hypertension, cervical spine/ neck disability, low back disability, peripheral neuropathy of the bilateral arms and hands, peripheral neuropathy of the bilateral legs, bilateral shoulder disability, bilateral hip disability, bilateral knee disability, bilateral ankle disability, bilateral feet disability, bilateral hearing loss, tinnitus, sleep apnea, thyroid disability, cerebrovascular accident (CVA), and acquired psychiatric disorder to include posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD), nervous disorder, anxiety, and depression.

The Board has remanded the Veteran's claims for bilateral hearing loss, breathing problems, obstructive sleep apnea, myocardial infarction, chronic lymphocytic leukemia, and an acquired psychiatric disorder (depression) due to incomplete VA examinations and lack of Social Security records.

The Board has remanded the cases for additional development and examination. The Veteran's claims for service connection are not decided at this time.

The Veteran's tinnitus is granted as service connected. The claims for diabetes mellitus, erectile dysfunction, and peripheral neuropathy of the lower extremities are remanded due to lack of evidence regarding herbicide exposure.

The Board has remanded several issues including service connection for bilateral hearing loss, tinnitus, hypertension, sleep apnea, and PTSD due to the need for further development of evidence.

The Veteran's tinnitus claim is denied as he is already receiving the maximum schedular evaluation. The low back and left eye disability claims are remanded for further development.

The Board has decided to remand the claims of service connection for bilateral hearing loss and tinnitus due to inadequate examination reports. The Veteran's VA treatment records need to be obtained, and a new VA audiological examination is required.

The Board denied the Veteran's claim for service connection for tinnitus, finding that there was no medical nexus between his current tinnitus and his military service.

The Veteran's claim for service connection for left ear hearing loss has been reopened and granted. His tinnitus is already at the maximum schedular evaluation, so he cannot receive a higher rating. The right eye disability claims are remanded.

The Board dismissed the Veteran's claim for service connection of asthma. The Veteran's claim for tinnitus was denied as there is no evidence that his current tinnitus disability is related to military service. Service connection for GERD was granted, with a finding that it is related to the Veteran's in-service complaints and treatment.

The Veteran's bilateral hearing loss and tinnitus have been granted service connection as they are at least in equipoise with the evidence of record.,A noncompensable rating is assigned for right hand laceration residuals, while a noncompensable rating is also assigned for right hand scar.

The Veteran's service-connected disabilities do not meet the criteria for special monthly compensation based on a need for aid and attendance or housebound status.

The Board has granted service connection for bilateral hearing loss and bilateral tinnitus, finding that the Veteran's current disabilities are related to in-service noise exposure.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's current bilateral hearing loss and tinnitus are not related to his military service, including noise exposure. The evidence does not support a finding of in-service incurrence or aggravation.

The Board has dismissed the appeals regarding lumbar spine, cervical spine, diabetes mellitus, arthritis, migraine disability, glaucoma, and cataracts. The Veteran's claim for service connection for tinnitus is granted.

The Board has decided to remand the case due to insufficient evidence regarding whether the Veteran's tinnitus was aggravated by in-service acoustic trauma.

The Board has remanded the case due to insufficient evidence regarding the nature and etiology of the Veteran's psychiatric disability. The issues of service connection for a back disability, bilateral hearing loss, and tinnitus remain unresolved.

The Board has granted service connection for bilateral sensorineural hearing loss and tinnitus, finding that these conditions are related to the Veteran's military noise exposure. The decision is based on evidence showing current disabilities and a link between those disabilities and service.

Service connection is granted for left shoulder arthritis, bilateral hearing loss, and tinnitus. Service connection is remanded for a respiratory disability and the cause of death.,Respiratory disability: The Veteran's exposure to asbestos aboard USS Munda during service may be related to his COPD. The Board requests an opinion on whether any diagnosed respiratory disability was at least as likely as not caused or contributed substantially to the Veteran’s death.

The Board found that the Veteran's bilateral hearing loss and tinnitus did not manifest during service or within one year of separation, and are not related to his military service. The claims for service connection were denied.