Tinnitus (ringing in the ears) decisions — 2022

The Veteran's claim for an effective date earlier than February 17, 2021, for the grant of service connection for tinnitus was denied as there is no evidence of an earlier claim being filed.

The Board dismissed the Veteran's appeal for bilateral hearing loss.,The Veteran was granted service connection for tinnitus.

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

The Veteran's appeal for an increased rating for tinnitus has been dismissed as the Veteran withdrew his claim.,The Veteran's prior to October 21, 2019, bilateral hearing loss was denied as not compensable.,The Veteran's bilateral hearing loss since October 21, 2019, is remanded and will be evaluated again.

The Board has remanded the TDIU claim due to insufficient evidence regarding the combined effects of the Veteran's service-connected conditions on his employability. The Veteran is currently service connected for PTSD, right hip injuries, diabetes mellitus, type II, tinnitus, peripheral neuropathy of the bilateral lower extremities, and left ear hearing loss.

The Veteran was granted a TDIU prior to September 30, 2011. The Board also found that he is entitled to initial ratings greater than 20 percent for his left knee disability and greater than 10 percent for his right knee disability prior to September 30, 2011.

The Veteran's PTSD, along with his bilateral hearing loss and tinnitus, has rendered him unable to secure or maintain gainful employment since March 2, 2020. As a result, the Board granted a TDIU effective from that date.

The Veteran's right shoulder disorder appeal was dismissed due to withdrawal of the claim.,Service connection for tinnitus is granted, with evidence indicating it started in service and continued.

The Veteran's claim for SMC based on the need for aid and attendance or due to being housebound was denied as he does not meet the criteria for either benefit.

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

The Veteran's bilateral hearing loss is currently rated as noncompensable, and the claim for an initial compensable rating is denied.,Prior to March 24, 2018, the Veteran's TDIU claim was denied due to his service-connected disabilities not meeting the schedular criteria. After March 24, 2018, when he received a 100% disability rating for PTSD, the TDIU claim is moot.

The Board has remanded the Veteran's claims for additional development due to insufficient evidence of a nexus between his current disabilities and service. The claims will be reconsidered after the necessary examinations are completed.

The Veteran's tinnitus has been rated at 10 percent and no higher, which is the maximum available under VA regulations.,The effective dates for service connection of MDD, right knee anterior cruciate ligament tear, right ankle lateral collateral ligament sprain, left ankle lateral collateral ligament strain, right knee anterior scar, and tinnitus have not been earlier than August 29, 2018.

The Board has remanded the Veteran's claims for evaluations of his left and right lower extremity idiopathic peripheral polyneuropathy due to insufficient evidence in the record.

The Board denied service connection for hearing loss and tinnitus, finding that the Veteran's conditions are not related to his military service.

The Veteran's service connection claims for bilateral peripheral neuropathy of the lower extremities and tinnitus have been granted.,The Veteran's acquired psychiatric disorder, sinus disorder, right shoulder disorder (to include as secondary to bilateral lower extremity peripheral neuropathy), and bilateral hearing loss claims are remanded.

The Veteran's need for regular aid and attendance due to his service-connected disabilities has been granted, resulting in special monthly compensation based on aid and attendance.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's tinnitus began during his active service and granted service connection for this condition.

The Board has granted service connection for bilateral hearing loss and tinnitus, finding that the Veteran's current conditions are related to his in-service noise exposure.

The Veteran's claim for an earlier effective date of February 26, 2020 for service connection of tinnitus was granted.,Service connection for bilateral hearing loss disability was denied.