Tinnitus (ringing in the ears) decisions — 2019

The Board denied an earlier effective date for the grant of service connection for tinnitus, finding no document prior to January 9, 2007 that may be construed as a formal or informal claim.

The Veteran's claim for service connection for hearing loss was denied as there is no evidence of current hearing impairment meeting VA criteria.,The Veteran's TBI was evaluated at a 40 percent rating, with an additional 100 percent evaluation for PTSD. The headaches were separately rated at 50 percent effective August 16, 2016.

The Board denied service connection for bilateral hearing loss and bilateral tinnitus, finding that the preponderance of evidence did not support a link between these conditions and service. The Veteran's claims were based on his exposure to noise in service.

The Veteran's claim for service connection for a left eye condition is denied as he does not have a current diagnosis of such.,For the back disability, the Veteran’s symptoms do not meet or approximate the criteria for a rating in excess of 20 percent under any applicable diagnostic code. The maximum rating authorized by law is 20 percent.,The claim for an increased evaluation for tinnitus is denied as it does not warrant a rating in excess of 10 percent.,For restrictive airway disease, the Veteran’s manifestations do not meet or approximate the criteria for a disability rating in excess of 30 percent under any applicable diagnostic code. The maximum rating authorized by law is 30 percent.,The claim for an increased evaluation for hemorrhoids is denied as it does not warrant a rating in excess of 20 percent under any applicable diagnostic code. The maximum rating authorized by law is 20 percent.,For PTSD, the Veteran’s symptoms do not meet or approximate the criteria for a disability rating in excess of 70 percent under any applicable diagnostic code. The maximum rating authorized by law is 70 percent.,The claim for an earlier effective date for service connection for bilateral hearing loss is denied as there are no legal grounds to grant such.

The Board dismissed the appeals for service connection of various conditions, including bilateral knee disabilities and hearing loss, as well as an increased rating for lumbosacral intervertebral disc syndrome (IVDS) and degenerative disc disease (DDD). The decision was made due to the Veteran's death.

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

The Board has decided to remand the cases of right knee disorder, bilateral hearing loss, and tinnitus due to insufficient evidence or need for further examination.

The Board has determined that the effective dates for several awards and evaluations need to be reconsidered, as well as the evaluation of craniotomy post auricular with bone loss associated with residuals of status post translabyrinthitis resection. The other issues are being remanded due to their interrelated nature.

The Veteran's claim of entitlement to service connection for tinnitus is being remanded due to the need for a new etiology opinion from a VA examiner.

The Veteran's claim of service connection for blackouts has been denied as new and material evidence was not submitted.,His claim for a higher rating for his gunshot wound to the right buttock, muscle group XVII, is also denied.

The Board has granted service connection for degenerative changes of the lumbosacral spine and tinnitus, finding that both conditions are related to service.

The Veteran's hearing loss and tinnitus were not shown to be related to service, as they did not manifest during or within one year after separation from service.,The Veteran's hemorrhoids are currently being remanded for further examination.

The Board has remanded the cases for additional development and examination. The Veteran's tinnitus is granted service connection, but his bilateral hearing loss disability and cervical spine disability are not.

The Veteran's claims for service connection have been denied for right ear hearing loss disability, chronic fatigue syndrome (CFS), and bilateral foot condition. The Veteran's claims for tinnitus, obstructive sleep apnea (OSA), irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) are granted. The Veteran's claims for vertigo, hypertension, gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD), nephrolithiasis, and erectile dysfunction are remanded.

The Board denied earlier effective dates for service connection of bilateral hearing loss and tinnitus, as well as a higher initial rating for tinnitus. The Veteran's claims were based on his belief that he should have been notified of potential hearing issues at separation from service.

The Board has remanded the case due to insufficient evidence regarding whether the Veteran's tinnitus is related to service-connected bilateral hearing loss or hazardous noise exposure in active service.

The Board has remanded the cases due to inextricably intertwined issues and requests for a new Supplemental Statement of the Case.

The Veteran's bilateral hearing loss and tinnitus are granted service connection, while a rating in excess of 10 percent for the lumbar spine disability is denied prior to October 12, 2010. Separate ratings for radiculopathy of the lower extremities are also remanded.

The Board denied the Veteran's claims for earlier effective dates for service connection of thoracolumbar degenerative disc disease, right lower extremity radiculopathy, bilateral hearing loss, and tinnitus. The effective date was not earlier than October 15, 2014 as these conditions were first received by VA on that date.

The appeals concerning tinnitus and pleurisy were dismissed due to the Veteran's death.