Tinnitus (ringing in the ears) decisions — 2018

The Board has determined that the Veteran's bilateral hearing loss and tinnitus are not service-connected due to lack of evidence showing a nexus between current conditions and military service. However, the Veteran's tinnitus is granted as it was likely caused by noise exposure during his active duty.

The Veteran withdrew his appeal of the claims for bilateral hearing loss and tinnitus, thus these issues are dismissed.

The Veteran's Meniere's syndrome with tinnitus and left ear hearing loss is rated at 100% effective July 15, 2015. Prior to that date, the condition was rated at 60%. The Board found no evidence of attacks of cerebellar gait more than once weekly prior to July 15, 2015.

The Veteran's bilateral hearing loss and tinnitus are granted as service connected due to in-service acoustic trauma.,The Veteran's hypertension is granted as service connected due to in-service herbicide exposure, with diabetes mellitus being a contributing factor. ,The Veteran's erectile dysfunction is granted as secondary to his service-connected diabetes mellitus.

The Veteran's appeal of a non-compensable rating for his bilateral hearing loss is dismissed due to the death of the appellant.

Service connection for depression is granted. The claims for higher initial disability ratings for right ankle and left knee disabilities, as well as the claim for an earlier effective date for left knee scar, are dismissed. Service connection for a right knee disability and a left ankle disability is remanded. The claim for an increased rating for tinnitus is denied. The claim for an increased rating for sinusitis is denied.

The Board has granted the Veteran's claim of service connection for tinnitus, but denied his request to reopen his previously denied claim for service connection for bilateral knee condition.

The Veteran's tinnitus is granted as service connected. The claims for lumbar spine and left knee disabilities are remanded.

The Veteran's bilateral hearing loss and tinnitus are granted as service-connected.,An earlier effective date for lichen simplex chronicus, groin area is denied.

The Board has granted service connection for bilateral hearing loss and tinnitus. The Veteran's PTSD is remanded due to outstanding records not being associated with the file.

The Board denied service connection for right ear hearing loss and granted service connection for left ear hearing loss and tinnitus. The Veteran's reports of in-service noise exposure were credible, and the competent and credible evidence related his left ear hearing loss and tinnitus to his in-service noise exposure.

The Veteran's claim of service connection for an eye disability has been reopened and is granted.,Service connection for tinnitus is granted.

The Board has remanded the cases due to insufficient evidence and needs further examination for a determination of service connection.

The Veteran's bilateral hearing loss and tinnitus are granted as service connected, with the Board finding reasonable doubt in favor of the Veteran.

The Veteran's hearing loss and tinnitus are granted as service connected due to in-service noise exposure.

The Board has granted service connection for tinnitus and denied service connection for diabetes mellitus, heart condition (coronary artery disease), and hypertension. The Veteran's tinnitus is linked to his in-service noise exposure. Diabetes mellitus, heart condition, and hypertension are not shown to be related to service.

The Board has granted service connection for TBI, but the issues of tinnitus and sleep apnea as secondary to TBI, cervical spine disability, and lumbosacral spine disability remain unresolved due to need for additional medical opinions.

The Board dismissed the appeal of the issue regarding bilateral hearing loss. The Veteran's tinnitus was granted service connection as it is related to his in-service noise exposure.

The Board has remanded the claims for service connection for hyperlipidemia, acquired psychiatric disorder, bilateral hearing loss, tinnitus, hypertension, and benign prostate hyperplasia with voiding problems due to incomplete VA records and inadequate medical opinions.

The Board has granted service connection for tinnitus and remanded the remaining issues due to incomplete records. The Veteran's claims for arthritis, vertigo, hemorrhoids, anemia, psoriasis, and a skin condition are also being remanded.