Tinnitus (ringing in the ears) decisions — 2020

The Veteran's need for aid and attendance was not due to service-connected disabilities, but rather due to nonservice-connected conditions like dementia, ischemic cardiomyopathy, and cerebral infarction. The Board found the criteria for SMC based on the need for regular aid and attendance or housebound status were not met.

The Board has granted service connection for bilateral hearing loss and tinnitus, finding that these conditions are causally related to the Veteran's in-service noise exposure.

The Veteran's tinnitus, bilateral hearing loss, cervical spine disorder, cleat injury to the left side, and lumbar spine disorder are not service-connected.,Service connection for frostbite of the bilateral lower extremities is remanded.

The Veteran's service-connected disabilities do not render him unable to secure and follow a substantially gainful occupation consistent with his education and work history.

The Veteran's tinnitus, hypertension, and diabetes were granted service connection on an accrued basis. Bilateral hearing loss, peripheral vascular disease (PVD), and COPD were denied.

The Board has remanded the Veteran's claims for bilateral hearing loss, tinnitus, and left knee disability due to insufficient evidence regarding their etiology. The Veteran is required to undergo new VA examinations to determine if his conditions are related to service.

The Board has granted service connection for tinnitus. The issue of service connection for bilateral hearing loss is remanded and will be addressed in a future decision.

The Veteran's appeal for service connection for bilateral tinnitus has been dismissed due to his death.

Service connection for tinnitus has been granted.,An initial disability rating of 70 percent for PTSD is granted. The Veteran's hearing loss claim is remanded for further evaluation.

Service connection for tinnitus has been granted.,Service connection for a bilateral hearing loss disability and a psychiatric disorder (claimed as depression and anxiety) have not been established.

The Veteran's service-connected disabilities do not render him unable to maintain substantially gainful employment.

The Veteran's prostate cancer residuals, along with other service-connected conditions, have rendered him unable to secure and follow a substantially gainful occupation. A rating of 40 percent for prostate cancer residuals is granted, effective from August 15, 2016, and TDIU is also granted.

The Board has remanded the claims for effective dates and service connection, as well as increased ratings for PTSD and tinnitus. The TDIU claim is also inextricably intertwined with these issues.

The Veteran's service connection claim for tinnitus is granted, and the Board has remanded his right ear hearing loss claim due to an inadequate examination.

The Board denied service connection for tinnitus as there was no evidence of current disability and the Veteran did not report symptoms during his lifetime.

The Board has granted service connection for bilateral hearing loss and tinnitus, finding that the Veteran's conditions began during active service and are related to in-service noise exposure.

The Board has granted service connection for bilateral hearing loss disability and tinnitus, finding that the Veteran's symptoms are related to noise exposure during active duty.

The Veteran's claim for VR&E services, including education to pursue a career as a physical therapist, is remanded due to the need for additional evidence and an updated vocational rehabilitation evaluation considering his current symptomatology.

The Board has granted service connection for right ear hearing loss, but denied service connection for tinnitus, respiratory disability (asthma), and heart disorder. The decision is based on the evidence showing a relationship between the Veteran's current conditions and his active service.

The Board has granted service connection for tinnitus and sleep apnea, finding that the Veteran's symptoms are related to his military service.