Tinnitus (ringing in the ears) decisions — 2020

The Veteran's claims of service connection for bilateral hearing loss and tinnitus have been reopened. However, the Board has determined that a remand is necessary to obtain updated VA treatment records and to schedule the Veteran for a VA audiological examination.

The Board has decided to remand the cases for further development and consideration. Specifically, they need to obtain additional medical opinions regarding the Veteran's cause of death, bilateral hearing loss, and tinnitus.

The Board has determined that new and material evidence has been received to reopen the claims for service connection for bilateral hearing loss and tinnitus. The Veteran's tinnitus is now granted, but his claim for bilateral hearing loss remains pending as it was remanded due to insufficient medical evidence.

The Board has granted service connection for bilateral hearing loss. The remaining issues of flat feet, tinnitus, and knee conditions are remanded for further development.

The Board denied service connection for bilateral hearing loss and tinnitus, finding that the preponderance of evidence is against a link to service despite the Veteran's contentions.

The Board has denied service connection for bilateral hearing loss and remanded the TDIU claim due to insufficient evidence.

The Veteran's service-connected conditions, including PTSD and multiple physical disabilities, meet the schedular criteria for a TDIU. However, due to his employment during part of the appellate period, further evidence is needed to determine if his employment constitutes 'substantially gainful employment' or 'marginal employment'.

The Veteran's claim for service connection for fractured jaw with loss of teeth has been denied as new and material evidence was not received. The claims for bilateral hearing loss, tinnitus, anemia, chronic fatigue syndrome, chronic sinusitis, hypothyroidism, left inner ear condition, right inner ear condition, and skin condition have all been remanded due to the need for further development.,The Veteran's depressive disorder has been rated at 30 percent from January 27, 2011 to August 21, 2018 and at 70 percent thereafter. The claims for service connection for anemia, chronic fatigue syndrome, chronic sinusitis, hypothyroidism, left inner ear condition, right inner ear condition, and skin condition have all been remanded due to the need for further development.

The Board denied a TDIU prior to September 4, 2013 due to the Veteran's service-connected hearing loss and tinnitus preventing him from securing or maintaining substantially gainful employment.

The Veteran's appeal includes multiple issues related to his service-connected conditions, including PTSD, headaches, back condition, nose condition, bilateral hearing loss, patellofemoral syndrome with hyperextension injury and suspected ACL involvement of the right knee, patellofemoral syndrome of the left knee, tinnitus, traumatic brain injury (TBI), and residuals of a right shoulder injury. The Board has determined that further development is needed for these issues.

The Board dismissed the appeal for service connection of tinnitus. The Veteran's PTSD with alcohol remission was granted an initial rating of 70 percent, effective July 12, 2011, and a TDIU was also granted.

The Veteran's appeals for service connection for hearing loss and an earlier effective date for tinnitus have been dismissed due to the Veteran's withdrawal of his appeal.

The Veteran's bilateral hearing loss and tinnitus are granted service connection. The issues of service connection for an acquired psychiatric disorder, right upper extremity neuropathy, right lower extremity neuropathy, and left lower extremity neuropathy are remanded.

The Veteran's petition to reopen his previously denied claims for service connection for bilateral hearing loss, tinnitus, and bladder cancer have been granted. The claim for secondary service connection for residual leaking from stomach as secondary to bladder cancer is remanded.,Service connection has been granted for tinnitus.

The Board denied the Veteran's claims for earlier effective dates for service connection of tinnitus, osteoarthritis of the lumbar spine, cervical strain (claimed as back condition), and allergic rhinitis. The reasons provided were that these conditions were not filed as separate claims but rather as part of his original claims for back and sinus disabilities.

The Veteran was awarded special monthly compensation (SMC) based on the need for regular aid and attendance due to his service-connected disabilities, including hypertensive cardiomyopathy with congestive heart failure, obstructive sleep apnea, PTSD, tinnitus, hypertension, malaria, and hearing loss. The Board found that he required assistance with daily activities such as bathing, dressing, and preparing meals.

The Veteran's appeal is remanded for additional examinations and development of the record to determine appropriate ratings and service connection.

The Veteran's appeals for increased ratings and service connection are being remanded due to the need for additional evidence and examinations.

The Veteran is granted service connection for tinnitus, but denied service connection for bilateral hearing loss.

The Veteran's claims for service connection for an acquired psychiatric disorder, bilateral hearing loss, and tinnitus have been reopened due to the submission of new evidence. The claim for a heart condition as due to exposure to herbicides has not been reopened.,Service connection is granted for bilateral hearing loss and tinnitus.