Tinnitus (ringing in the ears) decisions — 2019

The Veteran's claim for a disability rating in excess of 10 percent for service-connected tinnitus is denied.,For the period on appeal prior to March 9, 2012, the criteria for a disability rating in excess of 30 percent for a service-connected acquired psychiatric disorder are not met. From March 9, 2012, but not earlier, the Veteran's service-connected disabilities have precluded him from obtaining or retaining substantially gainful employment.

The Board denied service connection for bilateral hearing loss and tinnitus as the evidence did not establish a nexus to service.

The Veteran's transport to a VA hospital by ambulance on January 4, 2015 was not medically required and therefore payment or reimbursement for the ambulance fees is denied.

The Veteran's death was caused by a motor vehicle accident, and the appellant contends that his service-connected seizure disorder contributed to the accident. The Board has remanded for an addendum opinion from a VA physician regarding the etiology of the Veteran’s cause of death.

The Veteran's claims for service connection for bilateral hearing loss disability and tinnitus have been denied as there is no evidence of in-service incurrence or aggravation, and the preponderance of the evidence does not support a finding that these conditions are related to his military service.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's service treatment records are incomplete and must be obtained. The VA audiology examiner concluded that an opinion could not be provided without resorting to speculation due to the absence of in-service audiometric test results. The issue of bilateral hearing loss is remanded for further development, including obtaining the Veteran’s complete service treatment records and providing a new addendum opinion. For tinnitus, the VA audiological examination did not include an adequate opinion as to its likely etiology, so it must also be remanded.

The Veteran's tinnitus is rated at the maximum schedular rating of 10 percent.,Prior to April 26, 2012, the Veteran was granted a disability rating of 30 percent for PTSD. From April 26, 2012, his PTSD rating has been denied as he does not meet the criteria for a higher rating.

Service connection is granted for tinnitus, and the case is remanded for further evaluation of hearing loss.

The Veteran's tinnitus is granted service connection. The Board has ordered additional examinations and remands for the remaining issues due to insufficient evidence.

The Veteran's claims for service connection were denied as there is no evidence prior to the dates specified in the decision that could be construed as a claim of service connection.,Right knee disability rating was remanded due to lack of examination addressing direct and secondary service connection.

The Board has granted service connection for bilateral hearing loss. The Veteran's claims for tinnitus, left ankle disorder, and right ankle disorder are remanded due to the need for additional medical opinions.

The Veteran's claim for an increased rating for bilateral hearing loss was denied, and his claim for a TDIU prior to August 16, 2016, was also denied. The Board found that the Veteran did not meet the criteria for a higher disability rating or TDIU based on service-connected disabilities alone.

The Board has granted service connection for bilateral hearing loss and tinnitus, finding that the evidence is in equipoise as to whether these conditions are related to the Veteran's active service.

The Board has granted service connection for tinnitus, finding that the Veteran's current tinnitus is related to his in-service noise exposure. Service connection for bilateral hearing loss was denied as there was no evidence of a nexus between the Veteran's current hearing loss and military service.

The Veteran's right ear hearing loss is granted and rated at the maximum schedular rating of 10%.,The Veteran's chronic right hand strain status post 5th digit metacarpal fracture is granted but not assigned a compensable rating due to lack of limitation of motion or ankylosis.,Tinnitus remains at the minimum schedular rating of 10%. The Veteran does not meet criteria for higher ratings under Diagnostic Code 6260.,The effective date for service connection of chronic right hand strain status post 5th digit metacarpal fracture is granted but denied, as it predates September 11, 2013.

The Board has granted service connection for tinnitus, finding that the Veteran's current condition is related to his in-service loud noise exposure. Service connection for bilateral hearing loss was denied as there was no evidence of a nexus between the current disability and service.

The Veteran's bilateral hearing loss and tinnitus are granted as service-connected. The Board found that the current diagnoses, in-service noise exposure, and continuity of symptoms since service meet the criteria for service connection.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's bilateral hearing loss and tinnitus are not service-connected, but it has also found in favor of granting service connection for tinnitus.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's left ear hearing loss and tinnitus are related to service, granting service connection for these conditions.

The Veteran's tinnitus is found to have had its onset during service and has persisted since then, granting service connection.,Service connection for the left knee disorder, right knee disorder, and lumbar spine disorder secondary to bilateral knee disorders is remanded due to insufficient medical evidence.,Service connection for bilateral hearing loss is remanded as there are no current audiometric findings that meet VA criteria for a disability. The Veteran's representative indicated possible worsening of his condition since the last examination in 2011.,Service connection for peritoneal adhesions is remanded due to insufficient medical evidence, including lack of records from the private debridement surgery performed in 2002.,Service connection for a psychiatric disorder is remanded as there are no current diagnoses or sufficient medical evidence linking service to the Veteran's claimed conditions.