Tinnitus (ringing in the ears) decisions — 2018

The Veteran's service-connected disabilities, including ischemic heart disease, lumbosacral strain, and various joint and hearing conditions, have rendered him unable to secure or follow substantially gainful employment. A TDIU rating is granted.

The Veteran's appeal for an extraschedular rating in excess of 10 percent for otitis media was denied as the symptoms are contemplated by the rating schedule. The appeal for TDIU was also denied due to lack of evidence showing marked interference with employment.

The Board has remanded the Veteran's claims for service connection for malignant melanoma, bilateral hearing loss, bilateral tinnitus, and a higher rating for coronary artery disease. The Veteran is presumed to have been exposed to Agent Orange during his service in Vietnam.

The Veteran's recurrent right hip pain is attributed to his service-connected low back disorder and radiculopathy of the right lower extremity. The Board denied service connection for a chronic right hip disability as it was already associated with other service-connected conditions. For TDIU, the Veteran met the criteria due to his multiple service-connected disabilities, but the Board found he is only capable of marginal employment.

The Veteran's claims for service connection for hearing loss and tinnitus have been reopened. The Board has determined that new and material evidence has been received to reopen the claims, but a VA examination is needed to determine the etiology of the disabilities.

The Board has decided to remand the claims for bilateral hearing loss and tinnitus as there is insufficient evidence regarding whether these conditions are related to service, specifically acoustic trauma. The Veteran's pre-service audiogram needs to be re-evaluated using current standards.

The Veteran's appeal for service connection of tinnitus has been dismissed due to his death.

The Board has granted service connection for tinnitus, but the cases of left and right knee disabilities are remanded due to insufficient evidence.

The claims for service connection for bilateral hearing loss and tinnitus were not reopened due to lack of new and material evidence. The claim for compensation under 38 U.S.C. § 1151 for the loss of right leg above knee was granted as it was proximately caused by VA hospital care, despite some uncertainty in causation.

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

The Board has granted service connection for tinnitus, but remanded the issue of service connection for ingrown toenails due to conflicting medical evidence.

The Veteran's bilateral hearing loss and tinnitus are granted as service connected. The Veteran's hypertension is denied as secondary to diabetes mellitus type 2 and/or PTSD (claimed as hemorrhoids). Hemorrhoids claim is denied due to lack of current diagnosis.

The Board has granted service connection for bilateral sensorineural hearing loss and tinnitus, finding that the Veteran's current conditions are due to in-service combat noise exposure. The decision is based on direct service connection.

The Board has granted service connection for hearing loss and tinnitus, finding that the Veteran's current disabilities are not related to his military service.

The Veteran's claims for service connection for bilateral hearing loss and tinnitus were denied as the evidence did not establish a link to active service.,The Veteran's claim for service connection for right knee disability was denied because there is no evidence that his current condition began during or is related to his military service. ,The Veteran's claim for service connection for back disability was granted, with the Board finding that it is at least as likely as not related to an injury sustained in active service.

The Veteran's appeal is dismissed for the issues of service connection for tinnitus, chronic sinus infection, hemorrhoids, and hematuria/kidney disability, as well as a higher rating for degenerative disc disease of the lumbar spine. Service connection for PTSD is granted.

The Veteran's bilateral hearing loss and tinnitus were not shown in service or for many years thereafter, and are not otherwise related to active duty service.,The Veteran does not have a current diagnosis of a psychiatric disorder at any point during the pendency of the claim.

The Board has granted service connection for bilateral hearing loss disability and bilateral tinnitus, finding that these conditions are etiologically related to acoustic trauma sustained in active service.

The Board has determined that VA examinations are needed to determine the nature and etiology of various conditions, including low back and cervical spine disorders, shoulder disorders, knee disorders, hearing loss, tinnitus, GERD, TBI, headaches, and hand tremors. The Veteran's service records show in-service accidents and injuries, but further medical evaluation is required to establish a connection between these conditions and his military service.

The Board has granted a 20% rating for bilateral hearing loss from January 3, 2014. The appellant is not entitled to an initial rating in excess of 10 percent prior to that date and his tinnitus remains at the maximum schedular rating.