Tinnitus (ringing in the ears) decisions — 2019

The Veteran's claims for service connection for bilateral hearing loss, tinnitus, and folliculitis keloidalis nuchae were granted. The claim for an earlier effective date for PTSD was denied.

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

The Veteran's claims for service connection for bilateral hearing loss and tinnitus have been denied as there is no evidence of current disabilities meeting VA criteria.,For the knee disabilities, the Veteran has not met the criteria for a higher rating under any applicable diagnostic codes.

The Board has identified new evidence that is relevant to the issues on appeal and requires a supplemental statement of the case (SSOC). Additionally, a VA examination is needed to address the Veteran's claims for increased ratings for tinnitus and hearing loss. The issue of TDIU is also remanded due to its inextricability with the other issues.

The Veteran's bilateral hearing loss and tinnitus are found to be related to his active service, resulting in a grant of service connection.

The Board denied service connection for a low back disability, finding that the current condition is not related to service.,Service connection was also denied for left lower leg radiculopathy as secondary to a service-connected disability due to lack of evidence linking it to service or a pre-existing condition.,Tinnitus was granted service connection based on in-service noise exposure.

The Veteran's appeal is being remanded for further development and consideration of his claims. The issues include ratings for various conditions, effective dates for service connection awards, and the reduction of a rating.

The Veteran's tinnitus is rated at the maximum 10 percent level.,The Veteran's diabetes was rated at 20 percent prior to June 22, 2016 and 40 percent thereafter. The Veteran's peripheral neuropathy of both lower extremities were each rated at 10 percent.

The Veteran's claims of service connection for bilateral hearing loss, tinnitus, and low back disability have been granted. The Board found that the Veteran had in-service noise exposure which may be related to his current hearing loss, and credible lay testimony supported a finding of service connection for both hearing loss and tinnitus. However, there was no evidence linking the low back disability to service.

The Board has granted service connection for tinnitus and chronic allergic conjunctivitis, finding that the Veteran's symptoms began during his active duty.

The Board has granted service connection for tinnitus but has remanded the issue of service connection for bilateral hearing loss due to in-service noise exposure.

The Board has decided to remand the Veteran's claims for service connection for bilateral hearing loss and tinnitus due to additional development being needed, including a new VA examination.

The Veteran's tinnitus is granted as service connected because it began during or immediately after his military service and he was exposed to noise in the line of duty.

The VA is required to recoup the Veteran's special separation benefits (SSB) from his VA disability compensation, as mandated by law. The SSB was $39,853.44 and after taxes, the net amount was $31,882.76. The Veteran has service-connected bilateral hearing loss and tinnitus which are separately rated 10% disabling since February 4, 2016. The VA is required to recoup the SSB from his disability compensation.

The Veteran's bilateral hearing loss and tinnitus are granted as service connected. The respiratory condition, lumbar spine condition, right leg condition, heart disease, erectile dysfunction, and headaches are remanded for further examination and opinion.

The Board has remanded the case due to inextricably intertwined issues, including service connection for chronic obstructive pulmonary disease. The TDIU claim will be reconsidered after this issue is resolved.

The Veteran's appeal for an increased rating for tinnitus was dismissed. The Veteran's PTSD is now rated at 70 percent, effective from the date of his August 2018 hearing. His claim for a compensable evaluation for bilateral hearing loss is remanded.

The Veteran is granted a TDIU effective April 15, 2015 due to his service-connected coronary artery disease and tinnitus. The decision also indicates that the Veteran's employment background was as a mechanic, limiting his ability to secure or follow a substantially gainful occupation.

The Veteran's claims for service connection for bilateral hearing loss and tinnitus were previously denied in June 2014. The effective date of the grant of service connection is August 3, 2016, when the Veteran filed a claim to reopen his previously denied claim.

The Board has reopened the Veteran's claims for service connection for bilateral hearing loss and tinnitus, but has remanded them due to insufficient evidence in support of these claims.