Tinnitus (ringing in the ears) decisions — 2020

The Board denied the Veteran's claim for an earlier effective date for service connection of tinnitus, finding that there was no indication of intent to apply for VA benefits prior to April 26, 2000.

The Board denied an earlier effective date for service connection of tinnitus, finding that the Veteran's initial claim was received more than one year after his discharge from service and thus could not be granted prior to April 22, 2014.

The Board has granted service connection for bilateral hearing loss and tinnitus, but the TDIU claim is remanded due to a need for updated VA Form 21-8940 and a combined effects medical opinion.

The Veteran's service-connected PTSD is granted at a rating of 70 percent, effective prior to March 26, 2018. Service connection for tinnitus and bilateral hearing loss are denied. The Veteran is granted TDIU based on his service-connected disabilities.

Service connection is granted for ischemic heart disease, diabetes mellitus type II, tinnitus, hypertension, chronic kidney disease, and bilateral hearing loss due to herbicide exposure.,The Veteran's current diagnoses of ischemic heart disease, diabetes mellitus type II, tinnitus, hypertension, chronic kidney disease, and bilateral hearing loss are presumed to be related to his service in Vietnam.

The Veteran's claim for a TDIU on an extraschedular basis and an increased disability rating for bilateral hearing loss is being remanded due to the need for further development.

The Veteran's PTSD is granted a 70 percent evaluation, effective from May 7, 2012. The Veteran’s bilateral hearing loss and tinnitus are each assigned the maximum 10 percent evaluations. A TDIU due to service-connected disabilities is granted.

The Veteran's service-connected disabilities do not prevent him from securing or following a substantially gainful occupation.

The Veteran's claims for service connection for bilateral hearing loss, tinnitus, PTSD, and abdomen GSW scars have all been denied. The Board found that there was no evidence of a current disability in any of these conditions, or sufficient medical opinion linking them to service.

The Board has decided that the Veteran's sleep apnea may be related to his service-connected tinnitus, but more evidence is needed for a definitive conclusion.

The Board denied the Veteran's claims for service connection for sleep apnea, an evaluation in excess of 10 percent for tinnitus, and a compensable evaluation for bilateral hearing loss.

The Veteran's initial claim for a disability rating of 60 percent for CAD was granted effective September 9, 2013. The earlier effective dates for service connection for bilateral hearing loss and associated tinnitus were also granted on July 3, 2012.,The Veteran’s claim for a compensable schedular disability rating for his bilateral hearing loss disability is denied.

The Board has determined that a remand is necessary to obtain updated VA and/or private treatment records, schedule the Veteran for an appropriate VA examination(s) to determine his need for SMC based on the need for regular aid and attendance or on being housebound due to his service-connected disabilities, and address whether he meets the criteria for special monthly compensation.

The Veteran's claim for reopening of tinnitus service connection was granted. The case is remanded to obtain a VA examination to determine the etiology and aggravation of tinnitus.

The Board has remanded the Veteran's claims for service connection for a left ankle disorder and tinnitus due to insufficient evidence. The Veteran is not entitled to service connection for these conditions as there is no medical evidence linking them to his military service.

The Board has granted service connection for tinnitus, finding that the Veteran's symptoms are related to his in-service noise exposure and continuity of symptomatology since service.

Service connection for tinnitus, bilateral hearing loss, and an acquired psychiatric condition (including PTSD, unspecified depressive disorder, and generalized anxiety disorder) has been granted.,The Veteran's claims were reopened due to the submission of new and material evidence.

The Board has denied service connection for hearing loss of the right ear but granted it for hearing loss of the left ear and tinnitus. The decision also found that there is no causal link between in-service noise exposure and current hearing loss of the right ear.

The Board has remanded the claims of bilateral hearing loss and tinnitus due to non-compliance with previous remand directives.

The Board dismissed the appeals for a rating in excess of 30 percent for ischemic heart disease, service connection for right and left knee disabilities, low back disability, and hypertension.,The Board also dismissed the appeals for service connection for right and left foot disabilities. The appellant withdrew these claims at his September 2019 hearing.