Tinnitus (ringing in the ears) decisions — 2021

The Veteran's service-connected disabilities did not meet the criteria for a TDIU from March 16, 2010, to June 17, 2013. The adverse symptomatology caused by his service-connected conditions were both contemplated and considered in the rating schedule.

The Veteran's service-connected disabilities did not meet the requisite schedular percentages for a total disability rating based on individual unemployability prior to February 24, 2017. The Board found that his service-connected conditions did not prevent him from securing and following a substantially gainful occupation.

Service connection is granted for left shoulder degenerative joint disease, left hand arthritis, and tinnitus. A 20 percent initial rating is assigned for painful scars of the left palm and left thigh.

The Board has granted service connection for tinnitus, finding that the Veteran's symptoms began during active duty and have persisted since. Service connection for a lower back disorder is denied as there is no evidence of an in-service injury or disease.

The Board has remanded the Veteran's claims of service connection for bilateral hearing loss and tinnitus due to incomplete VA examination opinions. The Veteran is presumed to have had normal hearing at entry into service, but his right ear hearing loss may be related to military noise exposure. His left ear hearing loss and tinnitus are not linked to service.

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

The appeal seeking DIC under 38 U.S.C. § 1318 is denied as the Veteran was not in receipt of, nor entitled to receive, compensation for service-connected disability that was continuously rated totally disabling for a period of at least 10 years immediately preceding death or for a period of 5 or more years immediately following discharge from service.

The Veteran's service-connected disabilities do not meet the schedular requirements for a TDIU, but his case is referred to the Director of Compensation Service for consideration as to whether he is unable to secure and follow a substantially gainful occupation due to these conditions.

The Board has remanded the claims of service connection for hearing loss and tinnitus due to a failure to consider lay statements regarding symptoms during service.

The Veteran's claims for cervical spine, lumbar spine, and respiratory disabilities have been remanded due to the need for additional evidence.,New claims for bilateral sensorineural hearing loss, tinnitus, acquired psychiatric disability (claimed as posttraumatic stress disorder with alcohol use dependence), heart disability (claimed as ischemic heart disease and/or residuals of stroke), hypertension, and TDIU are also being remanded.

The Board has granted service connection for the Veteran's right knee and left ankle disorders, but denied her claims for tinnitus, skin disorder, and cervical spine disorder.

The Veteran's service-connected disabilities do not meet the schedular requirements for a TDIU prior to June 21, 2010. The Board has remanded the case for referral to the Director of Compensation Service for an extraschedular evaluation on this basis.

The Veteran's claim for a higher rating for other specified trauma and stressor related disorder is denied as the evidence does not show symptoms that warrant an increased rating.,The Veteran's claim for a higher rating for tinnitus is denied as there are no manifestations of severe, debilitating ringing of the ears to support a higher rating.,Service connection for bilateral hearing loss is denied because the medical evidence does not establish a current diagnosis of hearing loss for VA purposes.,Service connection for tuberculosis (TB) is denied due to lack of a current diagnosis and absence of evidence showing active TB during service or post-service.,Service connection for gastrointestinal (GI) disorder is denied as there is no established link between the Veteran's upset stomach in service and his current GERD.

The Board has determined that the Veteran does not meet the criteria for service connection for any of the claimed conditions, including bilateral hearing loss and tinnitus. The evidence does not establish a current disability or an in-service event, injury, or disease.

Service connection is granted for left ear hearing loss and tinnitus.,Service connection is denied for costochondritis.

The Board has granted service connection for tinnitus but has remanded the issue of service connection for bilateral hearing loss disability due to a lack of relevant SSA records.

The Veteran's service-connected PTSD and tinnitus disabilities meet the criteria for a TDIU since October 12, 2016 due to his mental impairments resulting from PTSD.

The Veteran's death was not caused by his service-connected disabilities, but the Board has remanded for further clarification on whether diabetes contributed to his death.

The Board has dismissed the appeals for service connection of tinnitus and a back disorder due to the Veteran's death.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's tinnitus is presumed related to service, as it manifested within one year of separation and there is no evidence of intercurrent causes or service connection via continuity of symptomatology. The claim for service connection for tinnitus is therefore granted.