Tinnitus (ringing in the ears) decisions — 2020

The Veteran's service-connected disabilities, including PTSD, shell fragment wound residuals, coronary artery disease, diabetes mellitus, left knee patellar tendonitis, tinnitus, and bilateral lower extremity peripheral neuropathy, rendered him unable to secure and maintain gainful employment as of October 1, 2015. The Board granted a TDIU rating effective from June 16, 2016.

The Board has granted service connection for bilateral hearing loss, tinnitus as secondary to the now service-connected hearing loss disability, and a bilateral foot disorder (hallux valgus and pes planus) due to in-service noise exposure. The Veteran's psoriasis, diabetes mellitus, hypertension, and erectile dysfunction are not currently service connected.

The Board has vacated the dismissal of the Veteran's claims for bilateral hearing loss and tinnitus due to his death during appeal. The claims are now remanded for further evaluation.

The Veteran's vertigo is granted as secondary to his service-connected tinnitus. The case for an initial rating in excess of 10 percent for bilateral hearing loss is remanded.

The Board denied the Veteran's petitions to reopen his claims for service connection for bilateral hearing loss and tinnitus, finding that no new and material evidence had been submitted.

The Veteran's Meniere’s syndrome with tinnitus and left ear hearing loss was rated at 60 percent for the period starting September 1, 2012 and ending July 14, 2015. The Board granted a rating of 100 percent for this condition.

The Veteran's claims for service connection for cervical spine degenerative joint disease and right arm/ hand numbness are remanded due to the need for additional evidence. The claim for tinnitus is granted.

The Veteran's bilateral hearing loss disability and tinnitus were not shown to be related to service, as they did not manifest during service or within one year of separation. The Veteran's ichthyosis was noted prior to service and is considered a pre-existing condition.,Service connection for the Veteran's ichthyosis cannot be granted because it existed before service and there is no evidence that it worsened during service.

The Board dismissed the appeal for tinnitus as the appellant died during the pendency of the appeal.

The appeal for service connection of multiple conditions has been dismissed due to the death of the appellant.

The Board has determined that further development is necessary due to the complexity of the claims and the need for a medical opinion. The Veteran's conditions are related to chemotherapy administered at the VA Medical Center in Fort Wayne, Indiana.

The appeal was dismissed due to the appellant's death, and no jurisdiction remains for the merits of the claims.

The Veteran's petition to reopen his claim for hearing loss was granted. Service connection for hearing loss and tinnitus is denied.,Service connection for right hand trigger finger as secondary to service-connected diabetes mellitus is granted.

The Board has denied service connection for low back and neck disorders, but granted service connection for tinnitus on a direct basis due to continuous symptoms since service separation.

The Veteran's service-connected disabilities do not render him unemployable, as his mental health condition does not prevent him from working as a truck driver and he has other physical conditions that limit his ability to work.

The Veteran's skin cancer, left ear hearing loss, and tinnitus are all related to service.,Service connection is granted for the Veteran's squamous cell cancer (skin cancer), left ear hearing loss, and tinnitus.

The Veteran is granted a total disability rating due to individual unemployability (TDIU) on both a schedular and an extraschedular basis from throughout the period of appeal.

The Board has granted service connection for bilateral hearing loss and tinnitus, finding that the Veteran's current conditions are at least as likely as not related to his in-service noise exposure. The case is remanded for further development regarding a compensable disability rating for service-connected residuals of bladder cancer.

The Veteran withdrew his appeal of all issues, including those related to service connection and evaluations for various conditions. The Board dismissed the appeal as a result.

The Veteran's claim for service connection for tinnitus is granted as new and material evidence has been received, and the criteria for service connection have been met.