Tinnitus (ringing in the ears) decisions — 2021

The Veteran's claim of service connection for tinnitus is dismissed. His PTSD ratings are denied, and his hemorrhoidectomy residuals are rated at the maximum permissible level.

The Veteran's claim for an increased rating for right knee disability was denied, and his TDIU claim was also denied. The Board found that the Veteran did not meet the percentage requirements for a TDIU under 38 C.F.R. § 4.16(a), but referred the case to the Director of Compensation Service for consideration of an extra-schedular rating due to service-connected disabilities.

The Board has decided to remand the claims of service connection for bilateral hearing loss and tinnitus due to inadequate medical opinions in previous determinations.

The Veteran's service-connected disabilities, including diabetic nephropathy, squamous cell carcinoma residuals, post-radiation dermatitis associated with squamous cell carcinoma residuals, diabetes mellitus, tinnitus, and hearing loss, made him unable to secure or maintain substantially gainful employment since August 31, 2008. The effective date for TDIU is set at September 3, 2016.

The Board denied service connection for bilateral hearing loss and tinnitus as there was no evidence of in-service incurrence or a nexus to service, including noise exposure. The Veteran's current conditions were not shown during service or within one year post-service, and the VA examiner found no link between his current symptoms and military service.

The Board has decided to remand the cases of bilateral hearing loss and tinnitus for further development, including obtaining medical opinions regarding their etiology.

The Board has remanded the case due to non-compliance with a previous directive regarding the impact of the Veteran's service-connected disabilities on his ability to secure and maintain substantially gainful employment. The case will be returned for further development.

The Board has remanded two issues: service connection for tinnitus and a rating in excess of 0 percent for hemorrhoids. The Veteran's claims are being reviewed due to the need for additional examinations.

The Board has remanded the TDIU claim due to procedural developments and new evidence added to the claims file. The Veteran's representative requested that the Board give notice of additional evidence before relying on it, which will be done in the supplemental statement of the case.

The Board has granted service connection for tinnitus but has remanded the issue of service connection for bilateral hearing loss due to insufficient evidence.

The Veteran's appeal for service connection of tinnitus was dismissed due to his death during the pendency of the appeal.

The Board has granted service connection for right ear hearing loss and tinnitus, finding that these conditions are at least as likely as not related to the Veteran's active military service.

The Veteran's claims for service connection for a right knee disorder and tinnitus have been granted. The case is remanded to obtain additional medical opinions regarding the right knee disorder.

The Board has remanded the case for further development and consideration, including obtaining additional medical records and providing an addendum opinion regarding the cause of death.

The Veteran's claims for sinusitis, GERD, and DJD of the lumbar and thoracic spine were denied. The claim for service connection for tinnitus was granted. A TDIU from September 3, 2013 to November 13, 2019 was granted, but the claim is moot after that date.

The Veteran's appeal for increased ratings and service connection was denied. The claim for PTSD was granted with a rating of 30 percent, but the request for an increase to 50 percent was denied. Service connection for left ear hearing loss was granted, while service connection for right ear hearing loss and chest pain were denied.

The Board has decided one issue on appeal and remanded the remaining issues for further development. Additional development is necessary, including obtaining VA treatment records and scheduling a VA examination.

The Veteran's tinnitus is granted as service connected. The hearing loss case is remanded for further examination and opinion.

The Veteran's claims for service connection for left knee disorder, right knee disorder, and tinnitus disorder have been reopened. Service connection is granted for the left knee disorder.,Service connection is denied for the tinnitus disorder.

Service connection is denied for tinnitus, a vestibular disorder, left foot disability, right foot disability, arthritis, and gout as the evidence does not support an in-service injury or disease that caused these conditions.,The Veteran's current disabilities are not shown to be related to service.