Tinnitus (ringing in the ears) decisions — 2019

The Veteran's tinnitus was granted service connection as it manifested within one year of separation from service. The Veteran's bilateral hearing loss is remanded for further examination and opinion.

The Veteran's service-connected tinnitus is denied.,Service connection for COPD as due to in-service exposure to an herbicide agent (Agent Orange) is granted, effective January 9, 2019. The Veteran's diabetes mellitus rating is increased to 40%.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's tinnitus is at least as likely as not related to hazardous noise exposure during active service, and therefore grants his claim for service connection.

The Veteran's left ear hearing loss and tinnitus were not shown to be related to service, while his hypertension was not shown to have manifested within one year of separation from service. The Veteran's GERD and genitourinary disability (prostate disorder) are also denied as they do not appear to be linked to service.,Service connection for the Veteran’s hearing loss, tinnitus, hypertension, GERD, and prostate disorder were all denied due to lack of evidence linking these conditions to his military service.

The Veteran's claims for service connection for bilateral hearing loss and tinnitus are denied as there is no evidence linking these conditions to his active military service.

The Veteran's basic eligibility for VA loan guaranty benefits is denied because his active duty service did not meet the minimum required duration, and he was discharged due to failure to meet Army weight control standards. There are no exceptions to the general rule governing minimum durations of active duty service that apply in this case.

The Board has remanded the Veteran's claims of service connection for bilateral hearing loss, tinnitus, and low back disability due to a lack of service treatment records. The Veteran is requested to provide copies of his service separation examination and any other relevant medical evidence. A VA audiology and low back disability examination are also required.

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

The Board has decided to remand the case due to insufficient evidence regarding the relationship between the Veteran's tinnitus and his military service. The VA is instructed to obtain updated treatment records, including those from the 1990s when the Veteran sought treatment for tinnitus at a VA medical center in Washington, D.C.

The Veteran's claim to reopen his previously denied tinnitus service connection was received on December 8, 2015. The effective date for the grant of service connection is set at this date.

The Veteran's left ear hearing loss is not considered a disability for VA purposes.,Right ear hearing loss and tinnitus are granted as service-connected.

The Veteran's service-connected PTSD alone renders him unable to secure or follow a substantially gainful occupation, and he is granted TDIU.

The Board has remanded the Veteran's claims for service connection due to incomplete records and need for additional medical opinions. The issues include upper back strain, tinnitus, and a headache disorder.

The Veteran's lumbosacral strain and tinnitus are found to be related to service, while his bilateral hearing loss is not. Service connection is granted for both the lumbosacral strain and tinnitus.

The Veteran's service-connected headache disorder, tinnitus, and major depressive disorder are found to be related to his current headaches. Service connection for sleep apnea is denied as there is no evidence of a current diagnosis. The Veteran's bilateral hearing loss is assigned the minimum noncompensable rating due to the nature of the disability. A higher rating for tinnitus is not granted, and a higher rating for major depressive disorder is also denied.

The Board has denied service connection for bilateral hearing loss and bilateral recurrent tinnitus as the evidence does not support a finding of in-service noise exposure or continuity of symptoms.

Service connection is granted for bilateral sensorineural hearing loss and bilateral tinnitus.,The Veteran's claim for a noncompensable dental disorder for the loss of tooth #3 due to caries is remanded as it pertains to obtaining VA outpatient dental treatment.

The Veteran's service connection claims for bilateral hearing loss and tinnitus have been granted due to continuous symptoms since discharge from service.

The Board has granted service connection for tinnitus but has remanded the issue of service connection for bilateral hearing loss due to insufficient evidence.

The Board has remanded the cases due to outstanding private treatment records for hearing loss and tinnitus. The Veteran's lay reports of onset will be considered, along with any new private records.