Tinnitus (ringing in the ears) decisions — 2021

The Board denied service connection for bilateral hearing loss and tinnitus as the evidence did not show a relationship to in-service noise exposure.

The Veteran's appeal for increased ratings for bilateral hearing loss and tinnitus was denied. The Board found that the evidence did not meet the criteria for a higher rating, as both conditions are rated based on their severity under the applicable VA Schedule for Rating Disabilities.

The Veteran's service-connected bilateral hearing loss and tinnitus prevent him from obtaining and maintaining substantially gainful employment, meeting the criteria for a TDIU.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's bilateral hearing loss and tinnitus are at least as likely as not related to in-service noise exposure, granting his claims for service connection.

The Board has remanded the claim for a new VA opinion to address whether the Veteran's tinnitus is related to his service-connected migraine headaches.

The Board has decided that service connection for tinnitus is granted, but the claim of service connection for an acquired psychiatric disability needs to be remanded due to a duty to assist error.

The Board has remanded the claim for service connection for tinnitus due to a duty to assist error and an inadequate opinion.

The Veteran's claim for service connection for tinnitus is granted due to the submission of new and relevant evidence, which includes a statement from the Veteran indicating he did report having tinnitus during his February 2020 VA examination.

The Board has remanded the claims of service connection for various disabilities, including PTSD, a bilateral foot disability, a stomach disability, tinnitus, bilateral hearing loss, and back and right knee disabilities due to new evidence submitted after the Veteran's hearing.

The Board has granted service connection for bilateral hearing loss and tinnitus, but has remanded the cases of cervical spine disability, seizure disability, and TDIU prior to August 15, 2012.

The Board has determined that additional VA outpatient treatment records are needed and a new VA examination is required to determine the severity of the Veteran's bilateral hearing loss and tinnitus, including whether it is at least as likely as not caused by in-service noise exposure or manifested during service.

The Board has remanded the case to determine if the Veteran is entitled to a TDIU due to service-connected disabilities prior to February 27, 2012 on an extraschedular basis.

The Board has granted service connection for tinnitus but has remanded the issue of service connection for bilateral hearing loss due to incomplete and unreliable in-service audiometric evaluations.

The Veteran requested to withdraw his appeal for a higher disability rating for tinnitus, indicating satisfaction with the current 10 percent rating.

The Board denied the Veteran's claims for service connection for low back disability, bilateral hearing loss, and tinnitus. The Board found that there was no evidence of a nexus between these conditions and the Veteran's military service.

The Veteran's tinnitus was granted service connection as it is related to in-service noise exposure.,A 10 percent disability rating for thoracolumbar strain prior to February 19, 2018, was granted based on the current evidence of record.

The Veteran's request to reopen claims for service connection of various conditions has been granted. The Board finds that the Veteran now meets the criteria for service connection for a right knee strain.,Additional development is needed due to the Veteran's complaints of worsening symptoms and lack of recent VA examinations.

The Board has remanded the claims for bilateral hearing loss, tinnitus, an acquired psychiatric disorder (Major Depressive Disorder), and bilateral hand osteoarthritis due to outstanding VA medical records not being included in the claims file.

The Board has remanded the Veteran's claims for additional development due to issues related to his service connection for an acquired psychiatric disorder, bilateral hearing loss, and tinnitus. The TDIU claim is also inextricably intertwined with these issues.

The Veteran's TDIU claim is remanded due to the need for further evaluation of his service-connected ankle disabilities and other conditions.