Tinnitus (ringing in the ears) decisions — 2021

The Veteran's tinnitus is currently rated as 10 percent disabling, effective September 12, 2012. The claim for an increased rating must be denied based on a lack of entitlement under the law.,The Veteran filed his claim of entitlement to service connection for headaches more than one year after his separation from active service and years following the first complaints and/or treatment for headaches. An effective date prior to August 24, 2017, is not warranted as the claim was received in August 24, 2017.,The Veteran's erectile dysfunction, anxiety and mood disorder, and TBI disabilities are currently rated based on their severity under the applicable rating criteria. The claims for increased ratings remain in controversy as less than the maximum benefit available was awarded.,The Veteran has not been afforded a VA examination to determine if he has an eye disability (macular holes) due to his military service. A remand is required to schedule such an examination.,The Veteran's PTSD claim remains pending as there is conflicting evidence of record regarding whether the Veteran currently has PTSD. A new VA examination is needed to clarify this issue.,The Veteran's right shoulder disability, bilateral knee disabilities, cervical strain, and left lower lumbar radiculopathy are rated based on their severity under the applicable rating criteria. The claims for increased ratings remain in controversy as less than the maximum benefit available was awarded.,The Veteran's lumbosacral DDD, right calcaneal spurring, and left lower lumbar radiculopathy disabilities have not been evaluated since April 2019. A new VA examination is needed to evaluate these conditions based on their current severity.,The Veteran's headaches are currently rated as 50 percent disabling under DC 8100. The claim for an evaluation in excess of 50 percent remains pending and a remand is required to schedule the Veteran for a VA examination to assess his functional impairments, if any.,The Veteran has not been afforded a VA examination to determine whether he should be granted earlier effective dates prior to August 24, 2017. A new VA examination is needed to evaluate these issues based on their current severity.,The Veteran's nonservice-connected pension claim remains pending as the remanded issues could significantly impact this decision.

The Veteran's claims for erectile dysfunction, PTSD, and tinnitus have been dismissed as they were granted in the July 2020 rating decision.,The Veteran’s right little finger disability claim has been remanded due to lack of a compensable rating.

The Veteran's claims for service connection for bilateral hearing loss and tinnitus have been reopened. The Board has remanded the issues due to insufficient evidence regarding the etiology of these conditions.

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

The Veteran's claim for bilateral hearing loss and tinnitus was reopened, and both conditions were granted service connection.,Parkinson's Disease due to herbicide exposure during service in Thailand is also granted.

The Veteran's claim for a compensable disability rating for erectile dysfunction was denied as his symptoms did not meet the criteria for a higher rating.,Service connection for tinnitus was granted, with the condition beginning during active service and being etiologically related to military service.

The Board has granted service connection for tinnitus and has remanded the issues of service connection for bilateral hearing loss, OSA, and Afib.

The Board has denied the Veteran's claim for service connection for tinnitus, finding that there is no evidence linking his current tinnitus to his military service.

The Board denied service connection for migraine headaches, bilateral hearing loss, and tinnitus. The case is remanded for further development.

The Veteran's claim for service connection for diabetes mellitus was denied due to lack of evidence showing in-service incurrence or aggravation.,Service connection for tinnitus is denied as the preponderance of evidence does not support a finding that it began during active duty or is related to noise exposure.,Service connection for a neck disorder is denied as there is no evidence linking the condition to service, and the Veteran's current diagnosis is attributed to natural aging process rather than in-service injury.,Service connection for hypertension is denied due to lack of evidence showing in-service incurrence or aggravation.,Service connection for a right knee disorder is denied as there is no evidence showing it began during active duty or is related to noise exposure.,Service connection for left knee disability is granted with a 20% rating effective from November 14, 2016.,Service connection for lumbar spine disability is denied due to lack of evidence showing in-service incurrence or aggravation.,Service connection for radiculopathy of the left lower extremity is granted with a 10% rating effective from June 11, 2018.,Service connection for radiculopathy of the right lower extremity is denied as there is no evidence showing it began during active duty or is related to noise exposure.,Service connection for somatic symptom disorder with predominant pain is granted with a rating in excess of 70% effective from November 14, 2016.

The Board has remanded the cases for further development and examination, including to corroborate a reported in-service stressor and to determine if the Veteran's essential hand tremors are related to his service.

The Veteran's claim for a total disability rating based on individual unemployability (TDIU) is denied because his service-connected dysthymic disorder and tinnitus do not render him unable to secure or follow substantially gainful employment.

The Board has remanded the case due to a hearing request for the issue of entitlement to a rating in excess of 10 percent for tinnitus. The appellant was not provided with a personal/audio hearing as requested.

The Veteran's service-connected disabilities, including bilateral ankle disability, bilateral hearing loss, and tinnitus, prevented him from obtaining or maintaining substantially gainful employment prior to February 12, 2010.

The Veteran's TDIU claim was denied as he does not meet the schedular criteria for an award of TDIU due to his service-connected disabilities, which include post-concussion syndrome with headaches, degenerative disc disease and lumbar strain, tinnitus, left knee patellofemoral syndrome, and radiculopathy of the right leg. The combined disability rating is 60 percent.

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

The Veteran withdrew his appeal of the claims for bilateral hearing loss and tinnitus, so these issues are dismissed.

The Board has decided to remand the case due to inadequate examination and opinion regarding the Veteran's left ear hearing loss. The Veteran is seeking service connection for this condition, which was not addressed in the previous decision.

The Veteran's service-connected bilateral hearing loss and tinnitus have prevented him from obtaining and maintaining a substantially gainful occupation since October 21, 2017. The Board has granted total disability rating based on individual unemployability (TDIU) effective that date.

The Board has remanded the Veteran's claims for service connection for erectile dysfunction as secondary to his service-connected disabilities, including medication, and for special monthly compensation based on a higher need for aid and attendance. The case is being returned to the VA for further examination and analysis.