Tinnitus (ringing in the ears) decisions — 2019

The Board has remanded the claims of entitlement to service connection for bilateral hearing loss and tinnitus due to inadequate etiology medical opinions. The Veteran's lay statements regarding exposure to military noise during active duty are considered, and new etiology opinions must be obtained that address these concerns.

The Board denied reopening the claims for bilateral hearing loss disability and tinnitus as no new and material evidence was submitted.

The Veteran's tinnitus is attributable to his active service, and the Board has granted service connection for this condition.

The Board has vacated its January 31, 2019 remand on the matter of entitlement to service connection for the cause of the Veteran’s death due to lack of participation in VA's RAMP program. The case is now REMANDED for further action.

The Board denied service connection for left hip, left shoulder, low back, bilateral hearing loss, and tinnitus disabilities due to lack of evidence linking these conditions to service.,Service records did not show any symptoms or diagnoses related to the claimed conditions during or immediately after service.

The Board denied service connection for bilateral hearing loss and tinnitus, finding that the evidence did not establish a link between these conditions and military service.

The Veteran's claim for a total disability rating based on individual unemployability (TDIU) is remanded due to the need for updated VA treatment records and an examination to assess his ability to work.

The Veteran's claim for service connection for degenerative disc disease with herniated disc and left leg radiculopathy was denied in January 2011. The appeal is being remanded.,Service connection has been granted for tinnitus, but the issue of secondary service connection for erectile dysfunction (presumed to be secondary to PTSD) remains unresolved.

The Veteran's service-connected bilateral hearing loss, tinnitus, and major depressive disorder do not prevent him from securing or following a substantially gainful occupation.

The Veteran's claim for service connection for a bilateral hearing loss disability is denied. The Veteran's sleep apnea disability is granted, and the Veteran is awarded service connection based on direct evidence of in-service incurrence or aggravation. There is no legal basis for an increased rating for tinnitus.

The Board granted service connection for bilateral hearing loss and tinnitus effective from February 28, 2017. The Veteran's initial claim was received on September 12, 2014, but the appeal process took place after a final denial in February 2015.

The Board has remanded the cases for further development due to inadequate VA examinations and new evidence may be needed.

The Veteran's combined disability rating is calculated at 91 percent, which exceeds the required threshold for a TDIU. The RO must provide another VA Form 21-8940 to the Veteran and adjudicate his entitlement to TDIU.

The Veteran's claim for bilateral hearing loss is denied as there is no evidence of current hearing loss disability.,The Veteran's tinnitus is currently rated at the maximum schedular rating (10%) and a higher initial rating is not warranted under VA regulations.

The Board denied service connection for tinnitus, finding that the Veteran did not have tinnitus during service or within one year of separation. The Board also found that the remote onset of tinnitus is unrelated to service.

The Board has determined that new and material evidence was not received to reopen service connection for bilateral hearing loss. Service connection is granted for tinnitus, but denied for peripheral artery disease in the right lower extremity, hypertension, peripheral neuropathy in the right upper and left upper extremities, kidney disorder (chronic kidney disease), and bilateral cataracts.

The Board has remanded the Veteran's claims for pes planus, hallux valgus, bilateral hearing loss disability, tinnitus, and pseudofolliculitis barbae due to new arguments and errors in previous decisions. The claims are being remanded for further development and consideration.

The Board has granted service connection for bilateral hearing loss and tinnitus, finding that the Veteran's conditions are at least as likely as not related to his military service.

The Veteran's gastrointestinal condition, including erosive gastritis and gastropathy, is granted as secondary to his service-connected coronary artery disease.,Service connection for bilateral tinnitus is granted based on continuity of symptomatology since service.

The Board denied the appellant's claim for accrued benefits in excess of $245.00 due to insufficient evidence provided regarding additional expenses incurred during the Veteran's last sickness and burial.