Tinnitus (ringing in the ears) decisions — 2019

The Board has decided to remand the cases of bilateral hearing loss disability and tinnitus for further development due to inadequate VA opinions regarding noise exposure during service.

The Veteran's service-connected anxiety disorder is considered in assigning the rating for his current disability. The claim for an acquired psychiatric disorder other than PTSD, bilateral hearing loss, and tinnitus was denied.

The Board has granted service connection for tinnitus, finding that the Veteran's in-service noise exposure likely caused his current condition.

The Veteran's claim for service connection for hearing loss is denied as he does not have a current bilateral hearing loss disability.,The Veteran's claim for a rating in excess of 10 percent for left ankle arthritis is denied due to lack of limitation of motion and no evidence of pain or other symptoms that would warrant higher ratings under the applicable diagnostic codes.,The Veteran's claim for nonservice-connected pension benefits is denied as he did not serve during a period of war, nor was his service connected with any disability.,The Veteran's claim for service connection for tinnitus is remanded to obtain additional VA and private treatment records that may be pertinent to the claim.,The Veteran's claim for service connection for right wrist sprain is remanded to obtain an addendum medical opinion from the March 2017 VA examiner regarding whether any preexisting right distal radius fracture was aggravated by active duty service.,The Veteran's claim for service connection for obstructive sleep apnea is remanded to obtain additional VA and private treatment records that may be pertinent to the claim.

The Board has granted service connection for tinnitus and a bilateral hearing loss disability, finding that the Veteran's conditions were incurred during his active duty training (ACDUTRA) service.

The Veteran's claims for service connection for tinnitus and right ear hearing loss were granted effective July 31, 2012.,An earlier effective date for the awards of service connection for tinnitus and right ear hearing loss is denied.

The Veteran's claim for service connection for tinnitus is granted. The claim for residuals of a lightning strike and bilateral hearing loss are denied, with the latter being remanded for further development. Service connection for intestinal problems and a skin disorder remains pending.

The Veteran's clothing allowance for bilateral knee braces is granted, as the evidence shows he used these braces due to service-connected disabilities that caused wear and tear on his outergarments.

The Board has granted service connection for tinnitus but has remanded the cases of PTSD, fibromyalgia, chronic fatigue syndrome and irritable bowel syndrome due to insufficient evidence.

The Board has remanded the Veteran's claims for service connection due to incomplete records and unclear diagnoses. The issues of service connection are inextricably intertwined with the issue of service connection for an acquired psychiatric disability.

The Board has granted service connection for tinnitus but denied service connection for back pain, respiratory condition, and acquired psychiatric condition. The claims of service connection for bilateral hearing loss, hypertension, left knee or leg conditions are remanded.

The Board has decided that the Veteran's tinnitus and back disability were not incurred in or caused by military service, but has remanded both issues for further development.

The Board has granted service connection for bilateral hearing loss and tinnitus, finding that the Veteran's current conditions are related to his exposure to acoustic trauma during service. Service connection for left eye blindness was denied as it is not rated higher than 30 percent due to anatomical presence of the eye.

The Board has denied the Veteran's claims for service connection for anxiety disorder, bilateral hearing loss, and tinnitus. The claim for an effective date prior to August 18, 2015 for bronchial asthma is also remanded.

The Board has remanded five issues for further development, including service connection for tinnitus, bilateral restless leg syndrome, arthritis, headaches, and hypertension.,Service connection is denied for all claimed conditions as the evidence does not support a nexus between any of these conditions and active duty.

The Board has granted the Veteran's claims for service connection for bilateral hearing loss and tinnitus, finding that reasonable doubt is resolved in favor of the Veteran due to credible evidence linking his current conditions to noise exposure during service.

The Board denied the Veteran's claims of service connection for a back disability, sleep apnea, and tinnitus. The Board found no current diagnoses or evidence linking these conditions to service.

The Board has remanded the cases for further development and an examination to determine if the Veteran's right ear hearing loss disability and tinnitus are related to his military service.

The Board has determined that the VA examination opinion regarding tinnitus is ambiguous and requires further clarification. The case is being remanded to schedule a new VA audiology examination.

The Board has decided that the Veteran's tinnitus is service connected. The low back disability issue is remanded for further development.