Tinnitus (ringing in the ears) decisions — 2022

The Veteran's service-connected disabilities have prevented him from obtaining and retaining substantially gainful employment since April 16, 2019.

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

The Board has remanded the cases of bilateral hearing loss, ringing in ears (tinnitus), lower chin condition, and lower back condition for further development due to new evidence added after the last decision.

The Veteran's appeal for various disability ratings and service connection claims have been dismissed due to his death.

The Veteran's service-connected disabilities rendered him unable to obtain and maintain substantially gainful employment, but he was not in need of nursing home care or permanent housebound status. He is granted SMC based on the need for aid and attendance by another.

The Board has remanded the issues of service connection for thyroid condition, skin condition, and throat condition. The Veteran's claims for increased rating for urethral papilloma and entitlement to TDIU are denied.

The Veteran's claims for hearing loss, tinnitus, and hypertension have been dismissed due to their death.

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

The Board has granted service connection for bilateral hearing loss and tinnitus, finding that the Veteran's conditions are related to his military service. The decision is based on credible testimony from the Veteran regarding noise exposure during service.

The Board has remanded the case due to insufficient reasons and bases in its decision, including a failure to define 'sedentary' employment. The Veteran's service-connected disabilities may preclude physical or sedentary employment.

The Veteran's service connection claims for major depressive disorder, bilateral hearing loss, tinnitus, and several other conditions are granted. The remaining issues of service connection for knee, shoulder, headache, sleep apnea, and diabetes disorders are remanded for further development.

The Veteran's appeals regarding tinnitus and bilateral hearing loss have been dismissed due to the death of the Veteran.

The Board has remanded the case due to insufficient discussion of a January 2017 VA examination and its adequacy. A new opinion is needed regarding whether current tinnitus is related to service, including an in-service ear injury during INACDUTRA in October 2004.

The Board has granted service connection for chronic sinusitis due to exposure during the Persian Gulf War, but denied claims for tinnitus, ear infections, and otitis media.

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 service connection for these conditions.

The Veteran's TDIU and SMC claims for migraine headaches are granted, with the effective date being December 1, 2016. The Veteran is now eligible for both benefits due to his service-connected disabilities.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's tinnitus is at least as likely related to his active-duty service, and thus grants service connection for this condition.

The Veteran's tinnitus is granted service connection. The rating for hemorrhoids remains noncompensable, but the issue of entitlement to a higher rating is remanded. Service connection for back disability and PTSD are also remanded due to insufficient evidence. The acquired psychiatric disorder claim is also remanded as it is inextricably intertwined with other issues on appeal.

The Board has remanded the case to the AOJ for submission of the TDIU claim to the Director of Compensation Service on an extraschedular basis due to exceptional aspects associated with the Veteran's service-connected disabilities.

The Veteran's service-connected disabilities contribute in substantial part to his vocational impairment, and he has not overcome the effects of such impairment. VR&E services under Chapter 31 are granted.