Tinnitus (ringing in the ears) decisions — 2022

The Veteran's service-connected disabilities did not prevent him from securing or following substantially gainful employment prior to December 31, 2006.

The Veteran's claim for payment of full VA disability compensation benefits while incarcerated is denied due to his incarceration for a felony conviction, which disqualifies him from receiving higher compensation rates.

The Veteran's bilateral hearing loss was not found to warrant a compensable rating.,Service connection for degenerative joint disease of the lumbar spine and left knee has been granted.

The Veteran's service-connected disabilities, including PTSD, tinnitus, bilateral hearing loss, and vertigo, rendered him unable to secure or follow a substantially gainful occupation as of November 7, 2006. The Board granted a TDIU on an extra-schedular basis.

The Board has determined that there are new VA or private treatment records in the Veteran's file since the February 2018 SOC. The case is being remanded for the AOJ to review these records, readjudicate the claims, and issue a Supplemental Statement of the Case (SSOC).

The Veteran's appeal for a rating in excess of 40 percent for his low back disorder on an extraschedular basis, TDIU prior to May 16, 2012, and SMC based on the need for aid and attendance of another or being housebound was denied. The Board found that the Veteran's service-connected disabilities did not render him unable to secure or follow a substantially gainful employment.

The Veteran's authorized representative withdrew the appeal regarding bilateral hearing loss and tinnitus, thus these issues are dismissed.

The Board has remanded the case due to insufficient evidence regarding the relationship between the Veteran's bilateral hearing loss and service, as well as the link between his tinnitus and hearing loss. The Veteran will need a new VA examination to address these issues.

The Veteran's bilateral hearing loss and tinnitus disabilities are related to noise exposure during service, and the Board has granted service connection for both conditions.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's claims for service connection are remanded due to potential PACT Act exposure and need for an addendum opinion regarding COPD.

The Veteran's claims are being remanded for further development, including scheduling an examination to assess the severity of his left forearm scar and issuing a Statement of the Case (SOC) addressing all issues on appeal.

The Veteran's right ankle sprain, tinnitus, and bilateral hearing loss are all granted. However, the Board has determined that additional evidence is needed for service connection on issues related to gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD), headaches, left knee disorder, left thumb scar, and joint pain.

The Veteran's service-connected bilateral hearing loss and tinnitus limit his ability to secure or follow a substantially gainful occupation, but he is not considered unable to do so due to these conditions alone. The Board finds that the Veteran has limited occupational capacity in quiet environments and positions that do not require ongoing communication with coworkers, supervisors, or the general public.

The Veteran's TDIU claim is dismissed as moot because he is already receiving a 100% combined schedular rating for his service-connected disabilities, rendering the issue of TDIU moot.

The Veteran's claims for higher ratings on multiple service-connected conditions are being remanded to the RO/AMC for further development and consideration.,Issues include scars of the left abdomen, scar of the posterior trunk (back), residuals status post gunshot wound to the abdomen, residuals status post gunshot wound to the lower back, PTSD, tinnitus, lumbosacral strain, and left lower extremity radiculopathy.

The Board has granted service connection for tinnitus, finding that the Veteran's current tinnitus is related to his active-duty service. The decision resolves reasonable doubt in favor of the Veteran.

The Veteran's appeal for an increased rating for TBI and a TDIU is remanded due to inadequate examinations. The VA will schedule new examinations to determine the nature and severity of the Veteran's TBI and TBI residuals, including whether erectile dysfunction is proximately due or aggravated by TBI.

The Veteran's bilateral hearing loss is granted as it was caused by in-service noise exposure.,Service connection for tinnitus is granted as the Veteran has a current condition that manifested during service and continues to this day.,Left Achilles' tendonitis is granted as the Veteran had an injury in service, which resulted in continuous symptoms since then.

The Board has remanded the claims for service connection for tinnitus and bilateral foot disorder due to inadequate VA examinations in previous decisions. The Veteran's testimony regarding the onset of symptoms is considered, and a new examination is required.

The Board has granted service connection for right ear hearing loss and tinnitus, finding that the evidence is at least evenly balanced as to whether these conditions had their onset during military service.