Tinnitus (ringing in the ears) decisions — 2022

The Veteran's appeal for increased ratings and service connection has been addressed. The decision on the hearing loss rating is pending as new evidence may warrant a higher rating.

The Veteran's claim for an initial compensable rating for bilateral hearing loss and his TDIU claim were both denied. The Board found that the evidence did not support a finding of entitlement to a TDIU based on service-connected disabilities, as there was insufficient information about the Veteran's employment history and educational background.

The Veteran is granted a TDIU and SMC based on housebound status from April 15, 2015 due to service-connected mental disorders and additional disabilities independently rated at 60% or more.

The Board has remanded the cases for another attempt to schedule a VA examination due to the Veteran's failure to report for an initial examination. The examiner is requested to determine if the Veteran's bilateral hearing loss and tinnitus are related to his exposure to noise trauma in service.

The Board has granted service connection for tinnitus, osteoarthritis of the right hip, and degenerative joint disease of the left hip. The Veteran's current disabilities are found to be related to his in-service injuries.

The Veteran's bilateral hearing loss and tinnitus are granted as service-connected, with the tinnitus being secondary to his service-connected BHL.

The Veteran's service-connected disabilities did not render him unable to secure or follow substantially gainful employment prior to August 15, 2016. The Board denied his claim for TDIU.

The Board has remanded the claims for tinnitus, hypertension, and a right foot condition due to inadequate medical opinions. The Veteran's service connection claims are being reviewed again with additional evidence and clarification.

The Veteran's bilateral hearing loss and tinnitus are not service-connected as there is no evidence of current disabilities for VA purposes.,His low back strain with degenerative disc disease, claimed as chronic back condition, also does not meet the criteria for service connection.

The Veteran's claims for service connection for an acquired psychiatric disorder, bilateral hearing loss, and tinnitus have been reopened. Service connection has been granted for these conditions. The claim for increased rating of hyperactive airway disease is remanded. A new VA examination is required to determine the cause of the lumbar spine disorder.

The Board denied requests for earlier effective dates for service connection of hearing loss and tinnitus, finding that the claims were filed after the earliest date when entitlement to benefits arose.

The Veteran's claims for service connection for bilateral hearing loss and tinnitus have been reopened, and the Board has granted these claims. The Veteran is also entitled to a rating in excess of 50 percent for his PTSD, but this issue must be remanded due to outstanding VA treatment records and the need for a new examination.,The Veteran's TDIU claim is also remanded as it is inextricably intertwined with the PTSD rating claim.

The Veteran's service-connected disabilities render him so helpless as to require the regular aid and attendance of another person, warranting entitlement to SMC at the aid and attendance rate.

The Board has denied the Veteran's claims for service connection for bilateral hearing loss and tinnitus, finding that there is no evidence of a nexus between these conditions and active service.

The Board denied service connection for bilateral hearing loss and tinnitus, finding that the Veteran did not meet the criteria for a current disability in either condition. For tinnitus specifically, the Board determined there was no credible evidence of its onset during service or within one year after separation.

The Veteran's PTSD and tinnitus have been granted service connection, with the PTSD being related to his military service. The Veteran's CFS has not met the criteria for presumptive service connection due to Persian Gulf War exposure, but he is still considered for direct service connection based on in-service noise exposure.,Service connection was also denied for muscle and joint pain (fibromyalgia), as there is no evidence of a diagnosed condition or clear etiology.

The Veteran's tinnitus, bilateral hearing loss, and acquired psychiatric disorder including PTSD, depression, and insomnia are all granted as service-connected.

The Board has withdrawn the appeal of service connection for left ear hearing loss. Service connection is granted for lumbar spine condition, but the claims for headaches, IBS, a left knee condition, and bilateral lower extremity sciatic nerve pain are remanded due to procedural issues.

The Board has remanded the Veteran's claims for tinnitus, liver disability (claimed as hepatitis C), AAA, and impaired glucose tolerance due to in-service tattoo exposure and VA treatment records from prior to the mid-1990s.

The Veteran's diabetes is granted as secondary to service-connected hypertension. The claims for bilateral hearing loss and tinnitus are remanded.