Tinnitus (ringing in the ears) decisions — 2020

The Board denied the Veteran's claims for service connection for bilateral hearing loss, an acquired psychiatric disorder (anxiety), a low back disorder, tinnitus, a foot disorder (plantar fasciitis), and hypertension. The reasons given were that there was no current disability meeting VA criteria for these conditions, or evidence of in-service injury or exposure.

The Veteran's left ear hearing loss and bilateral tinnitus were not related to service, as there was no evidence of in-service noise exposure or continuity of symptoms.,PTSD was denied due to lack of credible supporting evidence for the claimed stressors. Sleep apnea was denied because there is no evidence of a current disability that began during service.,Low back disorder and right-sided sciatica were not related to service, as there are no records indicating an in-service injury or chronic symptoms after separation.,Right ankle disorder was also not related to service, with the absence of any documented injuries or relevant symptoms.

The Board has granted service connection for left ear hearing loss and tinnitus, finding that the Veteran's current conditions are at least as likely as not related to his military service. The right ear hearing loss claim is remanded due to a lack of current disability.

The Board has remanded the claims for service connection for bilateral hearing loss, tinnitus, and an acquired psychiatric disorder due to potential new evidence.,Service connection is not granted for any of these conditions.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's tinnitus is related to service and granted service connection for this condition. The remaining issues, including those regarding low back strain, right knee patellar dislocation with chronic strain, limitation of flexion in the right knee, and hearing loss, are remanded due to outstanding VA and private treatment records.

The Veteran's claim for service connection for type 2 diabetes mellitus (DMII) and coronary artery disease (CAD) has been granted.,Service connection is also granted for bilateral hearing loss and tinnitus, with the presumption of exposure to herbicide agents in Korea.

The Veteran's claims for gastrointestinal disorder, PTSD, left ear hearing loss, and tinnitus have been denied. The Board has remanded the cases of coronary artery disease, skin disorder, right ear hearing loss, headaches secondary to PTSD, and total disability rating based on individual unemployability.

The Board denied service connection for various conditions, including pes planus, bilateral hearing loss, tinnitus, a right eye disorder, a low back disorder, left ankle disorders, right ankle disorders, right shoulder disorders, right hand disorders, and headache disorders. The reasons given were that the evidence did not support a finding of in-service aggravation or incurrence for most conditions, and there was no current diagnosis for some conditions.

The Board has decided to remand the Veteran's claims for service connection for bilateral hearing loss, tinnitus, and pressure in the left ear due to further development being needed. The Veteran will be scheduled for a VA examination to determine the nature and etiology of his claimed disabilities.

The Board has remanded the case to the Director, Compensation Service for consideration of whether the Veteran is entitled to TDIU on an extraschedular basis due to his service-connected disabilities.

The Board has remanded the claims for bilateral hearing loss and tinnitus due to missing VA medical records from the Orlando VAMC, as well as private treatment records.

The Veteran's service-connected bilateral hearing loss and tinnitus have rendered him unable to secure and follow a substantially gainful occupation since March 13, 2009. The Board granted entitlement to TDIU on an extraschedular basis.

The Veteran's claims for service connection of bilateral hearing loss, tinnitus, and right foot disorder have been denied. The application to reopen a claim of hypertension has been granted.,The Veteran’s claims are being remanded for further examination and consideration.

The Veteran's service-connected bilateral hearing loss and tinnitus render him unable to secure or follow substantially gainful employment, thus granting a TDIU as of February 1, 2010.

The Board has granted service connection for tinnitus, finding that the Veteran's current tinnitus is related to in-service noise exposure.

The Veteran's initial compensable rating for bilateral hearing loss prior to December 30, 2019, and in excess of 10 percent thereafter is denied.,The Veteran's claim for an increased rating for tinnitus is denied as there are no manifestations not contemplated by the current 10% rating.

The Board has granted service connection for tinnitus but has remanded the issue of service connection for bilateral hearing loss due to insufficient evidence.

The Board has remanded the cases for further development and consideration, including an examination to determine if the Veteran's sinusitis is related to service exposure. Service connection for tinnitus was granted.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's tinnitus is as likely as not related to his military service, and thus grants the claim for service connection.

The Board has remanded the Veteran's claims for bilateral hearing loss and tinnitus due to unclear audiometric data conversion and speculative findings regarding etiology.