Tinnitus (ringing in the ears) decisions — 2021

The Veteran's tinnitus was granted service connection as it had its onset in service.,The Veteran's right little finger metacarpal fracture did not meet the criteria for a compensable rating due to lack of ankylosis or functional impairment akin to amputation.

The Board denied the claim of service connection for the cause of the Veteran's death, finding that there is no evidence to support or suggest that any of the Veteran's service-connected disabilities caused or contributed to his death in any way.

The Board has denied the Veteran's request for an earlier effective date of April 30, 2015 for the grant of service connection for tinnitus. The claim was originally filed in February 2010 and denied in July 2010. A final decision became effective as of May 2011 when a Statement of Case (SOC) was issued. The Veteran did not file an appeal, nor did he submit new and material evidence prior to the issuance of the SOC. He filed his application to reopen on April 30, 2015, which is considered the earliest possible effective date for service connection.

The Veteran's service-connected disabilities do not meet the criteria for special monthly compensation based on need for aid and attendance or housebound status due to his non-service-connected conditions.

The Veteran's tinnitus, deviated septum, sleep apnea, hypertension, GERD, sinusitis, and asthma have been granted service connection.,An initial rating in excess of 10 percent for forehead scar is denied.

The Board has remanded the cases of bilateral hearing loss and tinnitus for a new VA medical opinion to determine if these conditions are related to service, including noise exposure from active duty as an aircraft electrician.

The Veteran's service-connected disabilities, including diabetes mellitus, PTSD, and peripheral neuropathy, made it impossible for him to secure or follow a substantially gainful occupation from April 3, 2009, to June 14, 2016, and from October 1, 2016, to August 1, 2017.

The Veteran's PTSD rating is denied as the severity, frequency, and duration of symptoms do not meet criteria for a higher rating.,Service connection for migraine headaches secondary to PTSD, obstructive sleep apnea, cervical spine strain, and/or tinnitus is remanded due to inadequate examination and opinion.,Left ear hearing loss has been granted but no compensable disability rating assigned yet. The issue of right ear hearing loss remains unresolved.,New evidence must be considered to determine if it warrants reopening the claim for service connection for right ear hearing loss.

The Board has remanded the Veteran's claims for service connection for bilateral knee disability, bilateral pes planus, back disability, bilateral hearing loss, and tinnitus due to outstanding records and a need for further examination.

The Board has granted service connection for bilateral hearing loss and tinnitus, finding that the Veteran's current disabilities are related to his military service. The decision is based on new evidence received since the last denial, including a VA examination and lay testimony from the Veteran.

The Board has determined that additional development is needed to properly adjudicate the Veteran's claims for service connection for various disabilities, including left and right foot disabilities and a lumbar spine disability. The case is being remanded for further examination and medical opinions.

The Board has decided to remand the Veteran's claims for bilateral hearing loss and tinnitus as they need further examination and opinion regarding their etiology.

The Veteran's service-connected disabilities do not meet the criteria for a TDIU due to their combined rating of 70%.

The Veteran's claim for service connection for an acquired psychiatric disability, including PTSD, depression, anxiety and sleep and mood disorders is denied. The Board also remanded the claims of service connection for right and left fallen arches and heel pain, right and left plantar fasciitis, bilateral hearing loss, bilateral tinnitus, sinusitis, and acid reflux (GERD).

The Board has granted service connection for tinnitus, but has remanded the issue of service connection for bilateral hearing loss due to in-service noise exposure.

The Board has reopened the Veteran's claims for service connection for low back disorder, tinnitus, skin disorder, lung disorder, and melanoma. The claims are remanded due to a lack of VA treatment records and the need for specific information regarding the onset and nature of each condition.

The Board has granted service connection for bilateral hearing loss and tinnitus, finding that the Veteran's conditions are related to his military service due to acoustic trauma from artillery during combat operations in Vietnam.

The Board denied service connection for bilateral hearing loss and tinnitus, finding that the evidence did not support a link between these conditions and active service.

The Veteran's service-connected disabilities did not render him unemployable for the period prior to April 12, 2017. As of April 12, 2017, his combined rating was 100%, and he is in receipt of special monthly compensation at the housebound rate.

The Board has remanded the claims for service connection for bilateral hearing loss, vertigo, and tinnitus due to new evidence received since the last denial. The Veteran's in-service noise exposure is noted but the relationship between his current conditions and service remains unclear.