Tinnitus (ringing in the ears) decisions — 2020

The Veteran's bilateral flat feet and left heel spur are service-connected, as is fibromatosis of the hips, knees, ankles, and feet. The claim for asthma secondary to allergic rhinitis is also granted.

The appeal for service connection for bilateral pseudophakia and macula scar is dismissed. The appeals for service connection for bilateral hearing loss and tinnitus are granted, but the claims are remanded due to need for a new VA examination.

The Board has remanded the claims of service connection for hemorrhoids and tinnitus due to additional development being required. The Veteran's active duty records do not document hemorrhoids, but he reported having them during his deployment in 2003-2004. Tinnitus was also claimed as a result of noise exposure during this period. Additional VA and private treatment records are needed for both claims.

The Veteran's service-connected disabilities do not meet the schedular criteria for a total disability rating based on individual unemployability. However, his TDIU claim is remanded to the Director of Compensation Services for extraschedular consideration due to his employment history and vocational consultant opinion.

The Veteran's petition to reopen his claim for service connection of a back disability was granted. Service connection for tinnitus and an increased rating for left ankle disability were also granted, while the issues regarding PTSD and TDIU are remanded.

The Board found that the Veteran's service-connected right knee disability did not preclude him from securing and maintaining substantially gainful employment prior to February 2, 2011. The evidence showed other disabilities affecting his ability to work, such as varicose veins and depression.

The Veteran's bilateral hearing loss and tinnitus are granted as service-connected.,Service connection for diabetes mellitus, type II is also granted, with the condition being secondary to obesity caused by his right foot disability.

The Veteran's claim for an earlier effective date for service connection of bilateral hearing loss, a compensable rating for bilateral hearing loss, and special monthly compensation (SMC) for aid and attendance due to service-connected disabilities were all denied. The Board found that there was no evidence of prior claims or reasonable interpretations thereof, the current disability ratings are appropriate, and the Veteran does not meet the criteria for SMC based on need for regular aid and assistance.

The Veteran's service-connected disabilities do not render him unemployable, as he has the skills and experience to perform sedentary jobs such as a bidding contractor or headhunter.

The Veteran's claim for service connection of a lower back condition was denied. The appeal seeking to reopen the claim for tinnitus was granted, and he is now entitled to a disability rating of 50 percent for headaches.,Service connection for sleep apnea, blood condition, dental condition, and abdominal scar were all denied.

The Veteran's tinnitus is granted as service connected. The issue of bilateral hearing loss is remanded for further examination and opinion.

The Board dismissed the appeals for earlier effective dates for right leg radiculopathy, tinnitus, and back disability as the Veteran withdrew his appeal regarding right leg radiculopathy. The claims for tinnitus and back disability were denied because no earlier claim was filed.

The Board denied service connection for bilateral hearing loss and tinnitus, finding that the Veteran's current disabilities did not have a nexus to his military service.,Service connection was also denied for tinnitus due to lack of documented complaints in the record and no basis to conclude it was caused by service.

The Veteran's service-connected disabilities, including coronary artery disease, psychiatric disability, diabetic neuropathy, diabetes, stroke residuals, tinnitus, and bilateral foot neuropathy, prevent him from obtaining and maintaining substantially gainful employment consistent with his educational and vocational experience. The Board has granted entitlement to Total Disability Rating Based on Individual Unemployability (TDIU).

The Veteran's appeal for a higher rating for left knee disability and service connection for PTSD has been dismissed.,The Veteran's appeal for service connection for tinnitus and sleep apnea has been granted.

The Board has remanded the case due to insufficient evidence regarding the Veteran's employability despite his service-connected disabilities. The case will be returned for further medical evaluation and a social and industrial survey.

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 Veteran's claim for service connection for bilateral hearing loss is denied as there is no current disability meeting the VA definition of hearing loss.,Service connection for tinnitus has been granted based on continuity of symptomatology since service.

The Veteran's tinnitus has been granted service connection. The issues of service connection for PTSD and a thoracolumbar spine disorder have been remanded.

Your appeal for service connection for tinnitus has been dismissed because you requested to participate in the Rapid Appeals Modernization Program (RAMP).