Tinnitus (ringing in the ears) decisions — 2020

The Veteran's application to reopen his claim for service connection for bilateral hearing loss was denied. The Board found that the evidence did not establish a relationship between the Veteran’s current tinnitus and service.

The Board has denied the Veteran's claims for service connection for tinnitus, left eye injury, genitourinary disorder characterized by voiding dysfunction, sinus disorder, and skin disease due to lack of current diagnoses. The cases are remanded for further development.

The Veteran's tinnitus was granted service connection as it is presumed to have been caused by noise exposure in Vietnam. The Veteran's left knee osteoarthritis and chondromalacia were denied an increased rating as the disability does not meet the criteria for a higher rating based on limitation of motion.

The Board has remanded the claim for a total disability based on individual unemployability (TDIU) due to insufficient evidence and potential worsening of service-connected disabilities. Additional development is needed, including obtaining VA treatment records and scheduling the Veteran for VA examinations.

The Veteran's claims for special monthly pension based on the need for aid and attendance of another and statutory housebound status are granted. The Veteran meets the criteria for SMP due to a single service-connected disability (nonservice-connected depression) rated at 100% and additional conditions rated at 60%. He does not require regular aid and attendance or is substantially confined to his dwelling.

The Veteran's service-connected disabilities render him unable to secure or follow a substantially gainful occupation from October 31, 2015.

The Board has remanded the cases for a new medical opinion regarding the etiology of the Veteran's tinnitus and hearing loss, as the previous opinions were inadequate.

The Veteran's claims for higher ratings and service connection have been denied. The Board found that the evidence did not support a rating in excess of 10 percent for his scar, status-post right hernia repairs, or for his bilateral hearing loss, right knee scar, tinnitus, PTSD, status-post right knee replacement, or chondromalacia of the left knee.

The Board has granted service connection for tinnitus and bilateral degenerative joint disease of the hips, but dismissed the claim for benefits under 38 U.S.C. § 1151 due to a remand issue.

Service connection for bilateral hearing loss and tinnitus is denied.,Service connection for chloracne, arms and hands and solar keratosis, face and arms (claimed as skin rash arms and hands) is remanded.

The Veteran's tinnitus is granted as service connected, but his right ear hearing loss and left ear hearing loss are denied.

The Veteran's claim for service connection for bilateral hearing loss and tinnitus was denied, while his claim for a compensable disability rating for herpes simplex was granted. The claims for initial ratings for left hip bursitis (limitation of flexion), extension, and abduction were also granted. His claim for an increased rating for major depressive disorder was denied.

The Board has remanded the case for further development, including obtaining a VA examination to clarify the Veteran's employment status and assess the impact of his service-connected disabilities on his ability to work. The claim will be reconsidered based on the additional evidence.

The Veteran's service connection claims for bilateral hearing loss, tinnitus, and acquired psychiatric disorders have been granted.

The Veteran's service-connected tinnitus and bilateral hearing loss do not render him unemployable or unable to secure and follow a substantially gainful occupation.

The Veteran's skin condition, sleep apnea, and tinnitus are all granted service connection.,Service connection is also granted for a cervical spine disability, bilateral arm disabilities, traumatic brain injury (TBI), dizziness, headaches, vision problems, acquired psychiatric conditions, erectile dysfunction, acid reflux, fatigue and muscle aches, respiratory condition, chest pains, bilateral knee disabilities, bilateral hip disabilities, arthritis, and sinusitis. However, the Veteran's former spouse is not entitled to SMC for aid and attendance.

The Veteran's claim for service connection for diabetes mellitus, bilateral hearing loss disability, and tinnitus was denied. The case is remanded for further development regarding the Veteran's PTSD claim.,PTSD claims are being remanded as there is an uncorroborated in-service stressor that needs to be verified.

The Board has dismissed all claims for service connection due to the Veteran's death.

The Board has granted an effective date of January 1, 2004 for the grant of a TDIU based on the Veteran's service-connected disabilities making him unable to secure or follow substantially gainful employment since that date.

The Board has remanded the claim of entitlement to service connection for bilateral hearing loss due to a lack of etiological opinions regarding whether the Veteran's hearing loss was caused or aggravated by his service-connected disabilities and/or prescribed medications.