Tinnitus (ringing in the ears) decisions — 2018

The Veteran's claim for a higher initial rating for PTSD has been granted, with the effective date to be determined. The issue of entitlement to TDIU remains pending.

The Veteran's bilateral hearing loss and tinnitus are likely related to noise exposure during his military service, but the medical opinions provided do not conclusively establish this. The case is being remanded for further evaluation.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's bilateral tinnitus is related to his service, including exposure to loud noise during military service. However, there is not enough evidence to support a finding of service connection for his bilateral hearing loss.

The Veteran's service-connected bilateral hearing loss and tinnitus are considered, but the RO determined he is not unemployable due to these conditions. The case is now remanded for further development including obtaining information on his education and occupational skills.

The Veteran's PTSD is currently rated at 50 percent, effective January 7, 2016. The Board found that the Veteran's symptoms prior to this date did not warrant a higher rating.

The Veteran's tinnitus was incurred in or caused by his active service, and the Board is granting service connection for this condition.

The Veteran's tinnitus is found to be related to military noise exposure. The Board also finds that service connection for a bilateral foot disability, neurological disabilities of the upper and lower extremities secondary to cervical and lumbar spine disabilities are granted.

The Veteran's appeal is being remanded for additional development to determine the current nature and severity of his service-connected posttraumatic headaches, as well as whether he has tinnitus related to these headaches. The VA examiner will also assess how service-connected headaches impact his work capacity.

The Veteran's appeal has been withdrawn, and the case is dismissed as there are no remaining issues for review.

The Board has determined that further development is needed to address the Veteran's claims for service connection, including obtaining verification of stressor events and seeking VA evaluations or treatment records. The case will be remanded for these purposes.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's bilateral hearing loss and tinnitus are not related to his active duty service, and thus denied his claims for service connection.

The Veteran's claim for an earlier effective date of June 19, 2011, for the assignment of a 10 percent rating for service-connected tinnitus is granted. The earliest assignable effective date by law is June 19, 2011.

The Veteran has withdrawn his appeal for service connection claims for tinnitus and traumatic brain injury.

The Veteran's tinnitus was granted service connection as it is considered to be due to noise exposure in service. The respiratory condition issue remains pending and will need further examination.

The Board has granted service connection for bilateral hearing loss disability and tinnitus, finding that the Veteran's current disabilities are related to his active duty service.

The Board denied the claim as the Veteran's suicide was not related to service or a service-connected disability.

The Board has granted service connection for bilateral tinnitus, finding that the Veteran's account of exposure to acoustic trauma during his active military service is credible and consistent with the circumstances of his service. The claim of entitlement to service connection for bilateral hearing loss requires further development before being decided on appeal.

The Board has granted service connection for residuals of a broken right ankle. The Veteran's current bilateral hearing loss and tinnitus are being remanded as they may impact the decision on his other claims.

The Veteran's tinnitus and bilateral hearing loss disabilities are rated at the maximum allowed under VA guidelines. The diabetes mellitus, type II disability is currently rated as 20 percent disabling, while the diabetic neuropathy of the bladder disability has not yet met the criteria for a higher rating.

The Board denied the Veteran's claims for service connection for bilateral hearing loss and tinnitus, finding that there was no evidence linking these conditions to his military service.