Tinnitus (ringing in the ears) decisions — 2018

The Veteran's claim for a TDIU is being remanded due to the need for additional development related to his service-connected ichthyosis. The outcome of this development may affect his increased rating claim.

The Board has granted service connection for bilateral tinnitus and denied a rating in excess of 10 percent for bilateral hearing loss.

The Board has remanded several issues related to service connection and rating for various disabilities, including tinnitus, bilateral hearing loss, numbness in the right hand, bilateral knee disability, left hip disability, spinal meningitis, and sleep apnea. The effective dates for these issues are not addressed as they are being remanded.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's tinnitus likely began during active service and is granting service connection for this condition.

The Board has granted service connection for hearing loss and tinnitus, finding that the Veteran's conditions are related to his combat service in Vietnam.

The Veteran's tinnitus is granted as service-connected due to consistent reports of noise exposure during active duty and the Board granting the benefit on application of the benefit-of-the-doubt doctrine.

The Veteran's claim of service connection for tinnitus is granted, as the evidence shows a continuity of symptoms since service. However, his claim for bilateral hearing loss is denied due to lack of evidence linking it to service.

The Board has granted service connection for tinnitus but has remanded the issue of service connection for a scar on the right hand due to lack of documentation in service records.

The Board has remanded the case due to insufficient medical opinions regarding the etiology of the Veteran's sleep hypopnea, specifically whether it is related to service or secondary to medications for his service-connected disabilities.

The Veteran's service connection claims for bilateral hearing loss, tinnitus, and a bowel disorder were denied. The Veteran was granted a 10 percent disability rating for his tinea pedis.,Service connection for the Veteran’s claimed conditions could not be established as they did not meet the criteria for presumptive or secondary service connection.

The Board has granted service connection for bilateral hearing loss and tinnitus, finding that the Veteran's symptoms are related to his military service.

The Veteran's PTSD was granted service connection as it was incurred during active duty. The right great toe disorder and tinnitus claims are remanded for further examination.

The Board denied service connection for bilateral hearing loss and tinnitus as there was no evidence of a nexus between the conditions and service, including noise exposure.

The Board has granted service connection for tinnitus, finding that the Veteran's current tinnitus is related to his military service due to exposure to loud noises during combat in Vietnam.

The Board has remanded the claims for service connection for tinnitus, vertigo/dizziness and Meniere's disease due to insufficient medical evidence. The claim for an increased rating for left shoulder strain is also being remanded.

The Veteran's representative and the VA Office of General Counsel requested a remand for further development due to an issue regarding his entitlement to a TDIU rating prior to December 15, 2009. The Board found that referral to the Director, Compensation Service, for extraschedular consideration is warranted.

The Board has granted service connection for tinnitus, finding that the Veteran's current diagnosis is at least as likely as not related to his in-service noise exposure. However, service connection for PTSD was denied due to a lack of a current diagnosis.

The Board has remanded the Veteran's claims for service connection for left and right knee disabilities, bilateral hearing loss, and tinnitus due to incomplete records and need for further medical examination.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's bilateral hearing loss and tinnitus are related to his active service, including noise exposure during his time as an aviation structural mechanic. As a result, the claims for these conditions have been granted.

The Board has granted service connection for tinnitus, but the claim of service connection for bilateral hearing loss remains pending and is being remanded.