Tinnitus (ringing in the ears) decisions — 2018

The Board has granted service connection for left ear hearing loss and tinnitus, finding that the Veteran's current conditions are related to his military noise exposure. Service connection was denied for right ear hearing loss due to insufficient evidence.

The Veteran's appeal for an increased rating for tinnitus was denied. The Board found that the maximum schedular rating of 10 percent is already assigned, and no higher rating can be granted under Diagnostic Code 6260.

The Board has remanded the Veteran's claims of service connection for various conditions due to a lack of VA treatment records and SSA disability benefits records. The Veteran is also requested to provide any additional pertinent evidence.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's appeal is remanded for additional development, including obtaining VA examinations and records. The issues of service connection are not addressed in this decision.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's tinnitus began during service and is related to his in-service noise exposure, thus granting service connection for tinnitus.

The Veteran's sleep apnea and tinnitus were denied as service connection was not established, and the initial rating for tinnitus could not exceed 10 percent.

The Veteran's claims for tinnitus and right ear hearing loss were granted with an effective date of February 23, 1971.,The claim for left ear hearing loss was denied in June 1971 but reopened due to new evidence.

The Board has remanded the claims for bilateral hearing loss and tinnitus due to missing service treatment records. The Veteran is required to provide information about any healthcare providers who have treated him for these conditions, and VA must obtain any outstanding medical records.

The Board denied service connection for a bilateral shoulder disorder, bilateral hearing loss, and tinnitus. The decision also noted that the Veteran's left knee disability was granted with a higher rating.

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

The Board denied service connection for rheumatoid arthritis, right shoulder disorder, right ankle disorder, and low back disorder. The claims for bilateral hearing loss, tinnitus, and shortness of breath were also denied.

The Board has denied the Veteran's claims for service connection for bilateral hearing loss and tinnitus, finding that there is no evidence of a nexus between these conditions and his military service.

The Veteran's appeals for initial compensable ratings for bilateral hearing loss and increased rating for radiculopathy of the left lower extremity have been dismissed. The appeal for an initial rating in excess of 70 percent for mood disorder is denied, but a TDIU is granted.

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

The Board denied service connection for peripheral neuropathy of the left and right upper extremities, diabetes mellitus type II, posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD), bilateral hearing loss, and tinnitus. The effective dates for these determinations were set at January 26, 2012, May 14, 2012, respectively.

The Veteran's claim for tinnitus was received on March 30, 2005. As the claim was not filed within one year of separation from active duty, an effective date prior to March 30, 2005, is denied.

The Veteran's claims for higher ratings and service connection are being remanded due to the need for additional development, including obtaining medical records and a VA examination.

The Veteran's multiple service-connected conditions, including his adjustment disorder and various musculoskeletal issues, have rendered him unable to secure or follow a substantially gainful occupation. His combined rating is at the maximum level.

The Veteran's application for a TDIU was denied because he does not have any service-connected disabilities.

The Veteran's claims for service connection have been reopened, but the Board has not found new and material evidence to support these claims. The left shoulder disability claim is granted as there is now credible evidence of a current condition. The left knee disability, sinus disability (including sinusitis), sleep disorder (including sleep apnea and secondary to tinnitus), and hypertension claims are denied due to lack of new and material evidence.