Tinnitus (ringing in the ears) decisions — 2018

The Board has determined that additional development is needed for the claims of service connection for bilateral hearing loss and tinnitus, as well as the claim for an initial evaluation in excess of 50 percent for major depressive disorder. The Veteran's representative provided medical literature on noise-induced hearing loss, but the VA audiologist must comment on the Veteran's May 2011 lay report of symptoms and June 2010 records from Chihal ENT Associates. A current examination is also necessary to assess the severity of the service-connected major depressive disorder.

The Veteran's claim for a TDIU prior to February 14, 2017 is being remanded due to the addition of new evidence that has not been reviewed by the AOJ.

The Veteran's PTSD with alcohol dependence and depression is rated at 70 percent, the highest available rating. The VA has determined that this condition significantly impacts his ability to work.,The Veteran also meets the criteria for a TDIU due to service-connected disabilities including PTSD, pulmonary asbestosis, peripheral neuropathy in both legs, and tinnitus.

The Veteran's July 1969 discharge is dishonorable for VA purposes and serves as a bar to the payment of VA compensation benefits for disability resulting from his second period of service. Service connection for PTSD, alcohol and substance use disorders, and prostate cancer are not granted due to the statutory character of discharge bar.

The Board found that the Veteran's service-connected disabilities did not render him unable to secure and maintain substantially gainful employment prior to August 16, 2012.

The Veteran's right shoulder strain developed in service and is now granted as service-connected.,Service connection for hypertension was granted effective July 2, 2013. The claimant has not provided evidence of a prior claim before this date.,Service connection for tinnitus was granted effective December 1, 2014. The claimant has not provided evidence of a prior claim before this date.,Service connection for low back disability, right lower extremity radiculopathy and left lower extremity radiculopathy was granted effective September 2, 2008. The claimant has not provided evidence of a prior claim before this date.

The Veteran's claim for service connection for bilateral hearing loss was withdrawn. The Board granted service connection for tinnitus and denied an increased rating for migraine headaches.

The Board has denied the Veteran's claims for service connection for various conditions, including PFB, right and left knee disorders, right and left hip disorders, sinus disorder, and tinnitus. The reasons provided were that there was no evidence of arthritis during service or within one year after discharge, and current diagnoses did not link these conditions to service.

The Board has decided to remand the case due to unclear scope of the claim and need for a comprehensive VA examination.

The Board has determined that the evidence is at least in equipoise as to whether the Veteran's tinnitus and bilateral hearing loss are etiologically related to his in-service hazardous noise exposure. As such, service connection for these conditions is granted.

The Veteran's claim for service connection for tinnitus has been reopened and is now granted. The Board finds that the evidence is at least in equipoise as to whether the Veteran's tinnitus had its onset during active service.

The Veteran's tinnitus is related to her active service, and the Board finds in favor of granting service connection for tinnitus.

The Veteran's tinnitus and lower back condition are related to his military service, warranting service connection for both conditions.

The Veteran's claims for service connection for peripheral neuropathy, sleep impairment, hearing loss, and tinnitus were denied. The Board found that the Veteran did not have a diagnosed condition for which service connection could be granted.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's bilateral hearing loss and tinnitus are related to his service, including exposure to noise during military service. The claims for service connection have been granted.

The Board has determined that the evidence is at least in equipoise on whether the Veteran's tinnitus had its onset during service, and thus grants service connection for tinnitus.

The Board has denied the Veteran's claim for service connection for tinnitus, finding that there is no evidence of a current disability and no link to active service.

The Board denied the Veteran's claim for an effective date prior to November 19, 2012 for the grant of service connection for tinnitus.

The Veteran's current tinnitus is found to be etiologically related to his active military service, and the Board grants service connection for this condition.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's bilateral hearing loss and tinnitus are directly related to his military service, specifically due to noise exposure while working as an aircraft engineer. The claims for service connection have been granted.