Tinnitus (ringing in the ears) decisions — 2019

The Veteran's service-connected disabilities result in a total combined evaluation of 100 percent, qualifying him for SMC under 38 U.S.C. § 1114(s). However, the evidence does not support an increase to the higher rate due to need for regular aid and attendance.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's tinnitus is at least as likely as not related to noise exposure during service, granting service connection for this condition.

The Veteran's service connection claims for bilateral hearing loss and tinnitus have been denied as the evidence does not establish that these conditions were incurred or aggravated by military service.

The Veteran's service-connected disabilities do not meet the criteria for higher level aid and attendance, as he does not have loss of use of both arms or legs, blindness in both eyes, or deafness. Therefore, his claim for special monthly compensation based on a need for higher level aid and attendance is denied.

The Board denied service connection for tinnitus as the evidence did not show it was present during active duty or within one year of separation, and there is no competent evidence linking current tinnitus to military noise exposure.

The Board has remanded several issues related to the Veteran's service-connected disabilities, including peripheral neuropathy of various extremities and psychiatric conditions. The claims for increased ratings are also being remanded.

The Veteran's initial claim for a compensable rating for a scar on his left calf was dismissed.,His claim for an increased rating for the left calf disability, which includes left foot drop, was denied. The maximum schedular rating of 30 percent has been assigned and no higher rating is warranted.

The Veteran's appeal is remanded for further examination and evaluation of his tinnitus, left knee pain, lumbar strain, and right knee arthralgia. The VA will obtain updated medical records and schedule the Veteran for examinations to determine the nature and etiology of these conditions.

The Board has granted service connection for hearing loss and tinnitus, finding that both conditions are related to in-service noise exposure.

The Veteran's tinnitus is granted as service connected. The left and right hip conditions are remanded for further examination.

The Board is remanding the case to determine if the Veteran's ACDUTRA service from July 1966 to December 1966 constitutes active military, naval or air service for pension purposes and whether his grant of service connection for hearing loss and tinnitus was based on disability due to disease or injury during this period.

The Veteran's tinnitus and bilateral hearing loss are granted as service connected due to in-service noise exposure.

Service connection for tinnitus is granted.,The effective date for the grant of service connection for PTSD is set at July 23, 2012.,An effective date prior to July 23, 2012 for a 20 percent rating for lumbar spine disability is denied.

The Veteran's claim for service connection for tinnitus was granted, effective May 28, 2014. The other conditions were denied.

The Veteran's tinnitus claim is granted. The claims for left shoulder, hip, and leg disabilities, as well as sleep apnea and migraines are remanded due to insufficient medical opinions.

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

The Veteran withdrew his appeals for bilateral hearing loss and tinnitus, so the cases are dismissed.

The Veteran's PTSD is currently rated at 70% disabling, and he has other service-connected conditions. The Board finds that further development is necessary to determine if TDIU should be granted.

The Board has remanded the case due to insufficient evidence regarding the Veteran's tinnitus claim. A new VA audiological examination is needed to determine if the Veteran currently has tinnitus and whether it began during service or was caused by service.

The Veteran's appeal of a 10 percent rating for chronic, atypical ear pain with tinnitus is being remanded due to the presence of marked interference with employment and potential periods of work stoppage.