Tinnitus (ringing in the ears) decisions — 2018

The Veteran's bilateral hearing loss and tinnitus are not service-connected as they did not manifest to a compensable degree within the applicable presumptive period, or for a condition noted in service, continuity of symptomatology is not established.,Service connection for prostate cancer and diabetes mellitus cannot be granted as there is no evidence of their onset during service or related to herbicide exposure. The Veteran's skin disorder is not service-connected due to lack of evidence of its onset during service.

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

The Veteran's claim for a compensable rating for bilateral hearing loss is denied.,The Veteran's claim for a disability rating in excess of 10 percent for tinnitus is denied. The maximum schedular rating available for recurrent tinnitus has been assigned.,The effective date for the grant of service connection for tinnitus as secondary to bilateral hearing loss is denied, and it remains at June 28, 2012.

The Veteran's tinnitus is found to have started during service and the Board granted service connection for this condition.

The Veteran's major depressive disorder is rated at 50 percent, and his TDIU claim has been granted. The initial rating for major depressive disorder remains unchanged.

The Veteran's service-connected conditions, including coronary artery disease, unspecified depressive disorder with anxious distress, alcohol-related disorder, diabetes mellitus, tinnitus, and hearing loss, prevent him from obtaining and maintaining substantially gainful employment.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's tinnitus is related to his service-connected bilateral hearing loss, and thus grants service connection for tinnitus.

The Board has granted service connection for tinnitus and remanded the issues of increased rating for benign hyperpigmentation prior to March 9, 2015 and service connection for conjunctivitis.

An effective date of August 28, 2013 for the award of service connection for tinnitus is granted. The Veteran's claims for bilateral hip disability and left knee disability secondary to his right knee disability are remanded.

The Veteran's tinnitus is granted as it began during service and has continued since.,Service connection for an acquired psychiatric disorder, including schizophrenia, is granted. The Veteran reported symptoms related to his condition during service and continuity of symptomatology post-service.

The Board has denied service connection for bilateral hearing loss due to the Veteran not meeting the criteria for a disability as defined by VA. However, the Board has granted service connection for tinnitus based on in-service noise exposure and credible testimony from the Veteran.

The Board has remanded multiple claims for further development due to the Veteran not being properly notified of VA examinations related to his service connection and increased disability rating claims.

The Veteran's bilateral hearing loss and tinnitus have been granted service connection. The claim for a back disability has been reopened, but further development is needed to determine its etiology. Other secondary service connection claims are also remanded.

The Board has remanded the Veteran's claims for bilateral hearing loss disability, tinnitus, and hypertension due to additional development and adjudicative action. The claims will be reviewed again with consideration of all periods of active duty service, including National Guard service.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's bilateral hearing loss and tinnitus are related to his in-service noise exposure, and thus service connection is granted for both conditions.

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

The Board has granted service connection for tinnitus but remanded the issue of service connection for bilateral hearing loss due to inadequate reasoning in the previous VA examination.

The Board has granted service connection for PTSD, bilateral hearing loss, and tinnitus. The Veteran's diagnoses are supported by medical evidence, his statements, and the confirmed in-service stressors and exposure.

The claims of service connection for IBS and stomach ulcer are dismissed. The claim of service connection for erectile dysfunction is granted, but the rating assigned remains to be determined. The claims of service connection for left hip disorder, left knee disorder, hearing loss, tinnitus, psychiatric disorder, sleep disorder, and erectile dysfunction are remanded.

The Board has decided to remand the cases for further development and examination, specifically regarding service connection for bilateral hearing loss and tinnitus, as well as an initial rating in excess of 30 percent for PTSD.