Tinnitus (ringing in the ears) decisions — 2020

The appeal for an increased rating for tinnitus is dismissed. The October 2014 Notice of Disagreement was timely regarding the November 2013 and February 2014 rating decisions, but the June 2018 NOD was not valid as it raised issues that had never been adjudicated before.

The Veteran's service-connected hearing loss and tinnitus do not preclude him from securing or following substantially gainful employment, as evidenced by his self-employment prior to retirement. Therefore, the claim for total disability rating based on individual unemployability (TDIU) is denied.

The Board has remanded the cases of bilateral hearing loss and tinnitus due to inadequate examination findings. The Veteran's claims will be reviewed again with a new VA examination.

The Board has denied service connection for bilateral hearing loss and tinnitus as the evidence does not support a finding that these conditions began during or were caused by active duty service.

The Board has decided to remand the claims for service connection for Meniere’s disease and a compensable rating for right ear hearing loss due to the need for additional development, including obtaining VA and private medical records.

The Board has remanded the claims of service connection for bilateral hearing loss and tinnitus due to inadequate opinions in the original decision. The Veteran's assertions regarding noise exposure during service are considered, but a new opinion is needed.

The Board has denied the Veteran's claims for service connection for bilateral hearing loss and tinnitus, finding that there is no evidence of a nexus between his current conditions and his military service.

The Board has decided to remand the claims of service connection for bilateral hearing loss and tinnitus due to insufficient evidence in the record.

The Board has granted service connection for mood disorder with depression and tinnitus, finding that both conditions are related to the Veteran's service-connected lumbar spine disability.

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 due to exposure to noise during active duty.

The Veteran's bilateral hearing loss and tinnitus are not service-connected as they do not meet the criteria for a disability under VA compensation standards.,Service connection is granted for tinnitus, with the opinion that it is related to in-service noise exposure.

The Veteran's depression is rated at 70 percent, effective October 28, 2019. Service connection for bilateral hearing loss and tinnitus are granted.

The Board has granted service connection for tinnitus but has remanded the issue of service connection for bilateral hearing loss due to a duty-to-assist error.

The Veteran's tinnitus, hypertension, and venous insufficiency are all granted as service-connected.,Service connection for bilateral hearing loss (BHL), gout, and diabetic peripheral neuropathy is remanded.

The Veteran's appeal for an initial rating in excess of 30 percent for an unspecified anxiety disorder, service connection for tinnitus, and service connection for a left shoulder disability was denied. The Board found that the Veteran’s psychiatric disability did not meet the criteria for a higher rating under Diagnostic Code 9413 or any other code. Service connection for tinnitus was also denied due to lack of current evidence of tinnitus. Service connection for a left shoulder disability was denied as there is no competent evidence linking the current condition to service.

The Board denied service connection for bilateral hearing loss and tinnitus, finding that the Veteran did not have a current disability as defined by VA regulations.,The Board also found no evidence linking the Veteran's current tinnitus to his military service.

The Veteran's service connection claim for bilateral tinnitus is granted. The Veteran's service connection claim for bilateral hearing loss is denied.

The Veteran's claims for service connection for bilateral hearing loss, tinnitus, and PTSD have all been granted. The Board found that the Veteran had acoustic trauma in service which led to his current disabilities.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's bilateral hearing loss and tinnitus are related to his active duty service, granting the claims.

The Board has remanded the case due to insufficient evidence regarding the Veteran's sleep apnea and tinnitus claims, specifically questioning the adequacy of the VA examiner's opinion and the potential impact of delayed onset hearing loss.