Tinnitus (ringing in the ears) decisions — 2021

The Board has granted service connection for hypothyroidism and remanded other issues including rating increases, effective date determinations, and service connection claims.

The Board has granted service connection for right ear hearing loss, finding that the evidence is in equipoise as to whether it is related to military noise exposure. Tinnitus was not raised and therefore not considered.

The Veteran's right ear hearing loss and tinnitus are granted service connection. The left ear hearing loss issue is remanded for further evaluation.

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

The Board has denied service connection for bilateral hearing loss disability and tinnitus as the evidence does not support a finding that these conditions began during or are otherwise related to active service.

The Board has already decided the issue of TDIU for the period as of March 1, 2014 and granted it. The case is dismissed because there are no issues currently on appeal.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's service-connected disabilities have rendered him unable to care for some daily personal needs and protect himself from the hazards of his daily environment without the assistance of others, warranting SMC based on the need for A&A.

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

The Veteran's major depressive disorder and obstructive sleep apnea were not incurred in or related to his active service.,The Veteran does not have a dental condition for which compensation is payable.

The Veteran's tinnitus is granted as service-connected, with the Board finding that it is at least as likely as not related to her in-service noise exposure.,The Veteran's PTSD claim is remanded for further examination and opinion due to insufficient evidence regarding its onset during service.

The Board has remanded the Veteran's claims for tinnitus, major depressive disorder, epilepsy, traumatic brain injury or residuals thereof, and right ear hearing loss due to various reasons including failure to report for VA examinations.

The Veteran's service-connected conditions do not prevent him from securing and following substantially gainful employment.

The appeals regarding the Veteran's claims for bilateral hearing loss, tinnitus, and hypertension have been dismissed as all remaining issues were withdrawn in a December 2020 appellate brief. The appeal for Total Disability Rating Based on Individual Unemployability (TDIU) has been granted from June 14, 2011.

The Veteran's tinnitus was granted service connection as it began in service and has continued to the present. However, his bilateral hearing loss was denied as there is no evidence of a current disability within one year of separation from service.

The Board has remanded the case due to an error in handling the reopening of the claim, and the Veteran's appeal must be reconsidered by the RO.

The Veteran's claim for service connection for an acquired psychiatric disorder, bilateral hearing loss, tinnitus, hypertension, and exophytic cyst of the right kidney has been granted. The effective date is not specified as it is the earliest possible.

The Board has remanded the claims of service connection for tinnitus, right and left foot disorders (gouty arthritis), and right and left knee disorders due to insufficient medical opinions regarding their etiology. The Veteran is directed to provide authorizations for any outstanding private medical records and VA treatment records are to be obtained.

The Board has remanded the Veteran's claims for service connection for tinnitus and bilateral hearing loss disability due to insufficient medical opinions and a need for further examination.

The Veteran's service-connected depressive disorder and sleep apnea have been granted. Bilateral hearing loss and tinnitus remain at their current levels, with no higher ratings available.

The Board has decided to remand the Veteran's claims for service connection for a low back condition, bilateral hearing loss, and tinnitus due to inadequate examination reports and conflicting opinions.