Tinnitus (ringing in the ears) decisions — 2019

The Veteran's claims for increased ratings and service connection are being remanded due to the need for additional examinations and opinions.,The Veteran is seeking higher ratings for his cervical spine and right upper extremity conditions, as well as service connection for various other disabilities.

The Veteran's claim for service connection for tinnitus was reopened due to the submission of new and material evidence. The Board found that the Veteran had a current disability (tinnitus) related to his military service, specifically exposure to noise during service on naval ships. Therefore, the claim is granted.

The Board has decided to remand the cases of bilateral hearing loss and tinnitus due to insufficient evidence regarding their etiology. A new examination is needed to determine if these conditions are related to in-service noise exposure.

The Veteran's appeal for a total disability rating based on individual unemployability due to service-connected disabilities is remanded as the VA examiner did not provide sufficient information regarding the combined effect of his multiple service-connected conditions on his ability to work.

The Veteran's appeal to reopen a claim for service connection for left ear hearing loss is granted. Entitlement to service connection for right ear hearing loss and tinnitus is also granted.

The Board has granted service connection for tinnitus but has remanded the issue of service connection for right knee strain due to insufficient evidence.

The Veteran's bilateral hearing loss and tinnitus are granted as service connected, with the Board resolving all doubts in his favor.

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

The Board has granted service connection for tinnitus, but denied service connection for bilateral sensorineural hearing loss (SNHL). The decision supports the Veteran's claim of in-service noise exposure leading to current tinnitus. However, there is no evidence of a compensable degree of hearing loss during service or within the presumptive period post-service, and continuity of symptomatology has not been established.

The Veteran's tinnitus and bilateral hearing loss are rated at the maximum schedular rating. The residuals of postoperative left inguinal herniorrhaphy have been rated as noncompensable. The Veteran's PTSD claim is remanded due to conflicting evidence on whether he meets the criteria for a diagnosis.

The Board has remanded the cases due to outstanding VA treatment records and scheduling issues for VA examinations.

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

The Veteran's service-connected disabilities are found to be so severe that they prevent her from obtaining or maintaining substantially gainful employment, and a TDIU is granted.

The Veteran's appeal of the effective date prior to October 17, 2013 for the grant of service connection for tinnitus and a bilateral hearing loss disability is dismissed. The case is remanded for an increased rating on his bilateral hearing loss disability.

The Veteran's tinnitus claim is granted, and he is now entitled to a higher evaluation for his degenerative joint disease of the lumbar spine. The right knee disability remains at its current level, but the scar status post lower back surgery receives an increased rating. His bladder disability and peripheral neuropathy are also evaluated based on their respective conditions.

The Veteran's claims of service connection for tinnitus, bilateral knee disability, eye condition and right ankle condition were not reopened due to lack of new and material evidence. The appeal for an increased rating for PTSD was granted with a higher 70 percent rating effective May 1, 2016.

The Veteran's claim for service connection for bilateral hearing loss and tinnitus has been reopened. The Veteran is granted service connection for tinnitus, but denied for bilateral hearing loss.

The appeal is being remanded due to non-compliance with the January 2018 Remand directives. The case will be returned for further development, including obtaining a new VA addendum opinion addressing the combined effects of the Veteran's service-connected disabilities on his ability to secure or follow a substantially gainful occupation.

The Veteran's tinnitus and PTSD have been granted service connection, while his bilateral hearing loss has been remanded. The Veteran's initial rating for PTSD has also been granted to a 70 percent level.

The Board has denied the Veteran's claims of service connection for hypertension, bilateral hearing loss, tinnitus, sinusitis, allergies, and headaches. The case is remanded for further development.