Tinnitus (ringing in the ears) decisions — 2019

The Veteran's claim for a higher evaluation for service-connected tinnitus was denied as the maximum schedular rating of 10 percent is already assigned, and extraschedular consideration was not granted due to lack of evidence showing marked interference with employment or frequent periods of hospitalization.

The Veteran's claim for service connection for an acquired psychiatric disorder, diagnosed as anxiety disorder, has been granted.,Service connection for tinnitus is also granted. The Board found that the Veteran experienced noise exposure during her honorable period of service and established a link between her current symptoms and in-service stressors.

The Board has granted service connection for bilateral hearing loss and tinnitus, but has remanded the issues of increased rating for PTSD and service connection for erectile dysfunction.

The Veteran's claims for increased PTSD ratings, a compensable hearing loss rating, and service connection for tinnitus have been remanded due to the need for further evidence or clarification.

The Board has remanded the case due to insufficient evidence regarding whether the Veteran's tinnitus is related to his military service. The Veteran will need to provide additional medical records and undergo a new examination.

The Board has remanded the claims of service connection for bilateral hearing loss, tinnitus, and prostate cancer due to new evidence not previously considered.

The Board has remanded the case due to issues related to increased initial ratings for bilateral hearing loss and tinnitus, as well as whether special monthly compensation (SMC) and the bilateral factor are applicable. The Veteran's claims remain pending.

The Board has decided that the Veteran's tinnitus began in service and is related to his active duty, granting service connection. However, the decision on bilateral hearing loss remains pending as it requires further examination and evidence.

The Veteran's claims for service connection for a left knee disability, right knee disability, and tinnitus have been granted.,However, the Veteran's claim for an initial compensable rating for hypertension remains remanded.

The Board denied earlier effective dates for service connection of PTSD, bilateral hearing loss, and tinnitus. The Veteran's claims were not received until October 14, 2014.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's tinnitus is related to his military service, granting service connection for this condition.

The Board has decided to remand the Veteran's claims for service connection for bilateral hearing loss and tinnitus due to missing post-service medical records, particularly a November 1986 audiologist report. The AOJ is instructed to obtain these records and provide an updated opinion from a qualified audiologist.

The Court has ordered the Board to remand these claims due to failure to provide adequate reasons and bases for its decision. The Veteran submitted new medical records, specifically an August 2019 audiological examination, which should be considered in the re-adjudication.

The Veteran's application to reopen his claim for service connection for tinnitus is granted. The Board finds that the evidence received since the August 2014 rating decision relates to an unestablished fact necessary to substantiate the claim, warranting reopening of the claim.

The Board has granted service connection for bilateral tinnitus, finding that the Veteran's current condition is at least as likely as not related to his military noise exposure.,Service connection for heart conditions, including coronary artery disease and atrial fibrillation, has also been granted. The Board found that the Veteran was exposed to herbicide agents during service near the perimeter of U-Tapao Royal Thai Air Force Base in Thailand.

The Board has decided that the Veteran's tinnitus is service connected. The issues of bilateral hearing loss and vertigo are remanded for further development.

The Board has remanded the cases for additional development due to deficiencies in the April 2016 VA medical opinion regarding service connection for bilateral hearing loss and tinnitus. The Veteran's separation examination pure tone thresholds need to be converted from ASA units to ISO-ANSI units.

The Veteran's claim for an initial compensable rating for gastritis was denied, while his claim for service connection for tinnitus was granted.

The Board has remanded the claims of service connection for tinnitus and erectile dysfunction due to new VA examinations being required.

The Veteran's service-connected PTSD is rated at a 70 percent disability rating, and he is granted TDIU.