Tinnitus (ringing in the ears) decisions — 2020

The Veteran's claim for a higher rating for major depressive disorder with anxious distress (also claimed as PTSD) was denied, and he is still rated at 70 percent. The Veteran also received SMC based on the need for aid and attendance due to service-connected disabilities.

Service connection is granted for diabetes mellitus and tinnitus, but erectile dysfunction remains denied.

The Board has remanded the Veteran's claims for service connection for bilateral hearing loss and tinnitus due to a duty to assist error. The Veteran contends his current hearing loss and tinnitus are related to in-service noise exposure, but VA medical opinions have found no evidence of such.

The Board denied the Veteran's claim for service connection for tinnitus, finding that there is no evidence linking his current condition to service.

The Veteran's claims for service connection for type 2 diabetes mellitus, tinnitus, left knee pain, right knee pain, heart disorder (ischemic heart disease), bilateral hearing loss, and back disorder are all granted. The claim for service connection for a right shoulder disorder is remanded.

The Board has denied the claim for service connection for lumbosacral strain, finding that there is no evidence of a current disability and no causal relationship to service. The claims for bilateral hearing loss and tinnitus are remanded due to a duty-to-assist error.

The Veteran's claims for diabetes, skin condition, bilateral hearing loss, tinnitus, IBS, left shoulder pain, right shoulder pain, left knee pain, right knee pain, left hand pain, left arm pain, lower back pain, and bilateral toe conditions have all been denied. The Board has also remanded the issues of service connection for an upper respiratory disorder, diastolic heart failure (claimed as heart condition), and obstructive sleep apnea (OSA).

The Veteran's tinnitus is found to be related to her military noise exposure, and service connection for tinnitus has been granted.

The Board denied the claims of service connection for bilateral hearing loss and tinnitus as new and relevant evidence was not submitted, and the Veteran did not perfect his appeals.

The Board denied service connection for various conditions including back, migraine headaches, vertigo, PTSD, bilateral hearing loss, tinnitus, right foot condition, and left foot condition due to lack of current diagnoses.

The Veteran's initial tinnitus rating of 10 percent is denied as his symptoms do not warrant a higher evaluation.,The Veteran's PTSD with other specified depressive disorder rating of 50 percent is denied as his symptoms do not meet the criteria for a higher rating.,The Veteran's CAD rating of 60 percent is denied as his symptoms do not meet the criteria for a higher rating.

The Board has remanded several claims for further development, including obtaining medical opinions and treatment records to address the Veteran's service connection claims for various conditions.

Service connection for tinnitus is granted. Service connection for bilateral hearing loss and the loss of the right great toenail or disabilities manifested by excessive urinary voiding, low testosterone, aching throughout the entire body, or hypothyroidism are denied.,Initial ratings in excess of 10 percent for right and left ankle sprains are not met. Initial compensable rating for allergic rhinitis is not met.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's current bilateral tinnitus is likely due to his service in the United States Navy, and thus grants the claim for service connection.

The Board has granted service connection for bilateral hearing loss and tinnitus, finding that the Veteran's current conditions are related to his military service. The decision is based on evidence showing noise exposure during service and continuity of symptoms since then.

The Veteran's appeals for service connection for left hip arthroplasty and tinnitus have been dismissed as the Veteran requested withdrawal of his appeal.

The Board has reopened the Veteran's claim for service connection for a back condition due to new and material evidence. The claims for tinnitus, hearing loss, and an acquired psychiatric disability (including PTSD, anxiety disorder, and personality disorder) are remanded for further development.

The Veteran's service-connected disabilities did not preclude him from securing and following a substantially gainful occupation prior to November 19, 2013. Therefore, the claim for total disability rating based on individual unemployability is denied.

The Veteran's service-connected disabilities have made it impossible for him to secure or follow a substantially gainful occupation since February 18, 2010.

The Veteran's service-connected disabilities do not preclude him from obtaining and maintaining substantially gainful employment, as he is currently employed in a meaningful capacity.