Tinnitus (ringing in the ears) decisions — 2021

The Board has remanded the Veteran's claims of service connection for tinnitus, right foot disability, left foot disability, right knee disability, and left knee disability due to insufficient evidence in the record.

The Board has remanded the claim of entitlement to a total disability based upon individual unemployability (TDIU) due to lack of substantial compliance with previous directives. The Veteran's service-connected disabilities do not preclude him from securing and following substantially gainful employment, but further examination is needed to determine if an extraschedular TDIU is warranted.

The Veteran's appeal is about the calculation of a $4,357.49 debt related to FY 2015 military drill pay collected with VA disability compensation pay. The RO incorrectly computed the amount due based on the Veteran’s 100% disability rating when he was rated at 20% disabling during his 40 days of receiving drill pay in FY 2015.

The Veteran's left thumb disability was previously granted in March 1986 and is now dismissed as a matter of law.,Service connection for tinnitus has been established, with reasonable doubt resolved in favor of the Veteran.

The Board has remanded the claims for bilateral hearing loss and tinnitus due to unclear evidence regarding their onset during service. A VA examination is needed to determine if the Veteran's current conditions are related to his military service.

The Veteran's tinnitus is granted as service connected. The issues of service connection for bilateral hearing loss and sleep apnea are remanded.

The Veteran's service-connected disabilities, including coronary artery disease, bilateral hearing loss, and tinnitus, prevented him from securing and following a substantially gainful occupation from June 27, 2013 to August 30, 2018. The Board granted the TDIU during this period.

The appeal of the issue of entitlement to service connection for a heart disorder is dismissed. Service connection for PTSD, skin disorder (tinea versicolor), headaches, bilateral hearing loss, and tinnitus are granted.

The Board has remanded the claim for additional development, including obtaining updated employment information and a VA vocational specialist's opinion on the Veteran's employability due to his service-connected disabilities.

The Veteran was granted TDIU from December 8, 2008 to April 10, 2019 due to his service-connected PTSD. However, TDIU since April 11, 2019 is denied as the other service-connected conditions do not meet the criteria for TDIU.

The Board has determined that there may be outstanding VA and SSA records, and therefore the claims are being remanded for further development.

The Veteran's service-connected disabilities, including major depressive disorder, hearing loss, and tinnitus, have rendered him unable to secure or follow substantially gainful employment. The Board has granted a TDIU based on these conditions.

The Board has granted service connection for tinnitus. The cases of right knee disability, left ankle disability, right ankle disability, and left knee disability are remanded due to the need for additional examinations.

The Veteran's knee disabilities, hepatitis C, and arthritis of the lower extremities are all granted as service-connected.,However, his bilateral hearing loss, tinnitus, and PVD remain in dispute and need further examination.

The Veteran's tinnitus is granted as service-connected.,The Veteran’s GERD may be related to his military service and exposure to chemicals in service. Further examination and opinion are needed.,The Veteran's back disability may be related to his military service and exposure to chemicals in service. Further examination and opinion are needed.,The Veteran's bilateral knee disability may be related to his military service and exposure to chemicals in service. Further examination and opinion are needed.,The Veteran's neck disability may be related to his military service and exposure to chemicals in service. Further examination and opinion are needed.,The Veteran's right elbow disability may be related to his military service and exposure to chemicals in service. Further examination and opinion are needed.,Further examination and opinion are needed for the Veteran’s bilateral hearing loss.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's tinnitus is related to his in-service noise exposure and granted service connection for this condition.

The Board has found that more development is necessary prior to final adjudication of the claims on appeal, including obtaining an opinion regarding the nature and etiology of the Veteran's heart disorder. The cause of death claim and the DIC claim are inextricably intertwined.

The Veteran's claims for service connection and increased ratings are being remanded due to the need for additional development, including obtaining National Guard records and SSA disability benefits application records.

The Board has remanded the claim for service connection for tinnitus due to inadequate medical opinion and failure to comply with duty to assist.

The Board has granted service connection for bilateral hearing loss and tinnitus, finding that the Veteran's current conditions are related to his exposure to loud noise during military service.