Tinnitus (ringing in the ears) decisions — 2019

The Board has determined that new and material evidence has been received to reopen the claims for service connection of bilateral hearing loss and tinnitus, and both conditions are now granted.

The Veteran's tinnitus is granted as service connected, but his bilateral sensorineural hearing loss is denied.

The Veteran's claims for service connection for tinnitus and bilateral hearing loss disability have been reopened, and both conditions are now granted. Service connection for the stomach and duodenal disorder is denied.

The Board denied the Veteran's request for an earlier effective date of September 14, 2015, finding that this was the later of the date of claim and the date entitlement arose. The Veteran previously satisfied the schedular requirements for a TDIU as of August 5, 2011.

The Veteran's tinnitus was granted service connection as it began during active duty.,Service connection for a psychiatric disorder, including PTSD and major depressive disorder, was denied. The examiner found no evidence linking the current diagnosis to service.

The Board has granted service connection for bilateral hearing loss and tinnitus, finding that the evidence is at least in equipoise as to whether these conditions had their onset during active service.

The Board has decided to remand the claims for bilateral hearing loss and tinnitus due to the need for a new VA examination.

The Board has granted service connection for sleep apnea secondary to the Veteran's service-connected PTSD with major depressive disorder and panic disorder with agoraphobia. The Veteran is also awarded a TDIU due to his service-connected disabilities.

The Veteran withdrew his appeal for tinnitus, so the case is dismissed.

The Veteran's bilateral hearing loss and tinnitus are granted as service-connected.

The Veteran's claims for service connection for hearing loss, tinnitus, and asbestosis (lung condition related to exposure to asbestos) have been granted. The claim for service connection for hearing loss is based on direct evidence of a relationship between the conditions and service. The claim for service connection for tinnitus is also based on direct evidence. The claim for service connection for asbestosis is denied due to lack of asbestos exposure in service.

The Board has granted service connection for tinnitus but remanded the lumbar spine disorder claim due to insufficient evidence.

The Veteran's tinnitus is granted as service connected, with the Board resolving all doubt in favor of the Veteran.

The Veteran's claims for service connection for an acquired psychiatric disorder, tinnitus, and bilateral hearing loss have been granted. The decision on the claim for bilateral hearing loss is remanded.

The Board has remanded the case for further development, including obtaining VA treatment records and scheduling a VA examination to determine the etiology of any diagnosed psychiatric disability. The Veteran's claims for service connection for tinnitus and left breast biopsy residual scar are pending.

The Board has granted service connection for an acquired psychiatric disorder and tinnitus, finding that the evidence is at least in equipoise as to whether these conditions are related to service. The Veteran's current diagnoses of depression and anxiety were found to have begun during active service, while his tinnitus was linked to military noise exposure.

The Board denied service connection for left ear hearing loss and tinnitus, finding that the Veteran did not have chronic symptoms of these conditions during or immediately after service, and there was no evidence linking them to his military service.

Service connection for tinnitus and sleep apnea is granted, with effective dates of November 5, 2010. The Veteran's throat and jaw disabilities are remanded for further examination and opinion.

The Board has remanded the Veteran's claims for service connection for a left knee disability, hearing loss, and tinnitus due to incomplete records and need for additional medical examination.

The Veteran's service-connected disabilities, particularly PTSD, have rendered him unable to secure or follow a substantially gainful occupation. The Board has granted TDIU based on the schedular criteria.