Tinnitus (ringing in the ears) decisions — 2019

The Veteran's migraine headaches were rated as noncompensable prior to July 24, 2014. From that date onwards, a rating of 50 percent was granted.,PTSD was initially rated at 70 percent from the effective date of October 23, 2013.,Right shoulder degenerative joint disease received an initial 20 percent rating based on painful motion.,Sleep apnea and tinnitus were both denied for increased ratings as they are already at their maximum schedular ratings.,Loss of cervical lordosis was granted service connection effective October 23, 2013.,TDIU is pending due to the Veteran's multiple service-connected disabilities.,The appeal for TBI and recurrent lumbar strain remains unresolved (remanded).,No specific exposure basis or presumption was mentioned in this decision.

The Veteran's hearing loss and tinnitus are granted service connection due to in-service noise exposure. Service connection for malignant melanoma is remanded.

The Board denied the Veteran's claim for service connection for right ear tinnitus, finding that there was no evidence of a nexus between his in-service noise exposure and current tinnitus.

The DIC benefits claim is denied as the Veteran did not meet the criteria for receiving these benefits under 38 U.S.C. § 1318. The cause of death claim is remanded due to incomplete medical opinions.

The Veteran seeks service connection for bilateral hearing loss, tinnitus, and high blood pressure. The Board finds that the criteria for service connection have not been met.,High blood pressure was noted during separation but no current diagnosis is provided in the record.

The Board has denied the Veteran's claims for service connection for bilateral hearing loss and tinnitus, finding that there is no evidence of in-service noise exposure or a nexus to service.

The Veteran's tinnitus is granted as service-connected, but his bilateral hearing loss and respiratory condition are denied.,His low back condition remains in dispute due to the need for further evidence and examination.

The Veteran's claim for service connection for a sleep disability has been denied.,A rating in excess of 10 percent for tinnitus is denied, as the current rating already reflects the maximum schedular evaluation available.

The Veteran's tinnitus is granted as service-connected.,There is no current diagnosis of sleep apnea, and the claim for this condition is denied.,Ischemic heart disease is not service-connected due to lack of evidence linking it to service.

The Board has remanded the Veteran's claims of entitlement to service connection for bilateral hearing loss and tinnitus due to inadequate examination findings. The case is returned for further development.

The Veteran's bilateral hearing loss and tinnitus have been granted service connection as they are considered to be directly related to his active duty service.

The Board denied the Veteran's claims for service connection for bilateral hearing loss and tinnitus, finding that there was no evidence of in-service noise exposure or chronic conditions that were noted as chronic in service.

The Veteran's claim for service connection for bilateral hearing loss is denied, but his claim for service connection for tinnitus is granted.

The Veteran's bilateral hearing loss disability is denied as the preponderance of evidence does not support a nexus between service and current hearing loss.,The Veteran's tinnitus is denied as there is no current diagnosis of tinnitus in the medical records.,The Veteran's asthma is denied as there is no evidence that it began during service or is related to an in-service injury, event, or disease.,Female reproductive system cancer (fallopian tube cancer and hysterectomy) is remanded for a determination on whether it is related to herbicide exposure.,Residuals of breast cancer are also remanded for a determination on whether they are related to herbicide exposure.

The Veteran's service-connected disabilities, including a left leg amputation and diabetes mellitus with extensive diabetic autonomic neuropathy affecting his nerves, preclude him from independent locomotion without the aid of braces, crutches, canes, or a wheelchair. As such, he is eligible for specially adapted housing.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's hypertension, tinnitus, and acquired psychiatric disorder (to include depression, anxiety disorder, adjustment disorder, and PTSD) were not incurred in or aggravated by service. The claims are being remanded for further development.

The Veteran's claim for service connection for bilateral hearing loss is denied, while her claim for tinnitus is granted.

Service connection is granted for bilateral hearing loss and tinnitus.,Service connection is denied for diabetes mellitus, type II.

The Board has decided that the Veteran's claims for service connection for hearing loss and tinnitus must be remanded due to missing service treatment records. The VA needs to attempt to locate these records, including any SSA records, which may provide evidence supporting the Veteran’s claims.

The Board has granted service connection for bilateral hearing loss and tinnitus, but has remanded the issue of service connection for a left lung condition.