Tinnitus (ringing in the ears) decisions — 2022

The Veteran's service-connected bilateral dry eye syndrome is granted with a 20% initial disability rating, effective from the date of the decision.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's tinnitus is related to noise exposure during service, granting service connection for this condition.

The Board has granted the reopening of claims for service connection for bilateral hearing loss and tinnitus, as well as remanded other issues on appeal.

The Board has remanded the claims for service connection for right index finger synovitis, lower back condition, and an acquired psychiatric disorder (including PTSD and major depressive disorder) due to insufficient evidence. The Veteran's claims are not currently granted as there is no clear or competent medical evidence linking these conditions to his military service.

The Veteran's service-connected PTSD has rendered him unable to secure and follow a substantially gainful occupation since April 8, 2021.

The Veteran's service-connected disabilities, including major depressive disorder, tinnitus, and bilateral hearing loss, did not render him unable to secure or follow substantially gainful employment prior to December 31, 2015. The Board denied the claim for a total disability rating due to individual unemployability (TDIU) as his service-connected conditions were deemed adequate compensation.

The Veteran's claim for TDIU prior to February 23, 2018 was denied as his service-connected disabilities did not prevent him from obtaining or retaining substantially gainful employment.,From February 23, 2018, the Veteran's claim for TDIU was dismissed because he is already eligible for special monthly compensation based on a 100% disability rating for bladder cancer and combined evaluations of his other service-connected disabilities.

The Veteran's service-connected disabilities prevented him from securing or following a substantially gainful occupation since May 22, 2017.

The Veteran's service-connected disabilities (tinnitus, hearing loss, and lumbar disc disease) have rendered him unable to secure or follow a substantially gainful occupation.

The Veteran's TDIU claim is granted from September 16, 2013 due to his service-connected disabilities preventing him from securing or following a substantially gainful occupation.

The Board has determined that there is insufficient evidence to establish a current physical disability related to the Veteran's in-service right side burn. The claims for service connection for an acquired psychiatric disorder (PTSD), low back condition, and tinnitus are remanded due to the need for additional medical examination and opinion.

The Veteran's claims for service connection for bilateral hearing loss, tinnitus, a blood disorder (anemia and myeloproliferative disorder (Jak 2+)), and a heart condition (atrial flutter and fibrillation) have been remanded due to the need for additional medical examination and development of records.

The Veteran's service-connected disabilities, including bilateral knee disability, hearing loss, and tinnitus, have prevented him from securing and following substantially gainful employment since October 5, 2017. The Board has granted a TDIU effective that date.

The Veteran's service-connected disabilities, including PTSD, diabetes mellitus type II, and peripheral neuropathies, have rendered him unable to maintain substantially gainful employment for the entire rating period. Additionally, he has been in need of regular aid and attendance due to his service-connected conditions.

The Veteran's claim for reimbursement of unauthorized non-VA medical care received at Sebastian River Medical Center on October 19, 2016 is granted. The Board found that the treatment was provided in a medical emergency and that VA facilities were not feasibly available.

The Veteran's claim for service connection for coronary artery disease, claimed as ischemic heart disease, is granted due to presumed exposure to herbicides during service.,Service connection for bilateral hearing loss and tinnitus is denied as there was no in-service acoustic trauma.

The Board has remanded the cases for further development and consideration, including obtaining medical opinions on etiology and scheduling a VA examination.

Service connection granted for PTSD, bilateral pes planus and plantar fasciitis, bilateral hearing loss, and tinnitus.,Service connection granted for bilateral pes planus and plantar fasciitis. Service connection for heart condition withdrawn.,Service connection granted for bilateral hearing loss and tinnitus.,Service connection granted for PTSD.,Service connection for a heart condition withdrawn.

The Board has remanded the cases for additional examinations and opinions to determine if hearing loss, tinnitus, and vertigo are related to service or service-connected conditions.

The Board has granted service connection for bilateral hearing loss and tinnitus, finding that the evidence is at least in equipoise regarding their etiology. The appeal seeking service connection for a skin condition as due to Agent Orange exposure was dismissed.