Tinnitus (ringing in the ears) decisions — 2022

The Board has remanded the Veteran's claims for bilateral hearing loss, tinnitus, an acquired psychiatric disorder (including PTSD), low back condition, and cervical spine condition due to incomplete development of his service connection claims.

The Board has remanded the case due to insufficient medical opinions regarding the etiology of the Veteran's tinnitus, specifically addressing whether it is related to noise exposure during service. The VA examiner was instructed to consider a medical article submitted by the Veteran and address delayed onset tinnitus.

The Veteran's service-connected disabilities have precluded him from securing or following a substantially gainful occupation since February 7, 2020. He is also in need of the regular aid and attendance of another person due to his service-connected disabilities.

The Veteran's PTSD symptoms from May 26, 2010 to October 23, 2017 resulted in occupational and social impairment with deficiencies in most areas. The Board granted a disability rating of 70 percent for PTSD during this period.

The Board denied service connection for bilateral hearing loss and tinnitus, finding that the appellant did not have a current disability or evidence of in-service injury. The right ear hearing loss was noted at enlistment but no significant progression occurred during service. Tinnitus is believed to have started after separation from National Guard.

The Board has remanded the cases for consideration of new VA evidence and readjudication.

The Veteran's service-connected asbestosis and tinnitus do not render him unemployable due to their combined effect, so his claim for a total disability rating based on individual unemployability is denied.

The Veteran's service-connected conditions, including major depressive disorder and orthopedic disabilities, render him unable to secure or follow a substantially gainful occupation. The Board has granted the TDIU on schedular basis as he meets the criteria for one disability rated 60% or more and at least one disability rated at 40% or more with sufficient additional disability.

The Board has remanded the Veteran's claims for bilateral hearing loss, tinnitus, neck cancer, and throat cancer due to potential in-service exposure and other factors. The claims will be reconsidered after additional evidence is obtained.

The Veteran's tinnitus, claimed as residuals of a concussion, is granted. The right knee disability and bilateral hearing loss are remanded for further development.

The Veteran's appeal regarding a higher rating for type II diabetes mellitus with erectile dysfunction is remanded due to the need for a new VA examination.

The Veteran's appeal for VR&E benefits to attend law school was denied as he had already obtained a bachelor's degree and extensive administrative experience, which were sufficient for suitable employment.

The Board has remanded the claims for tinnitus, right knee disability, and lumbar spine disability due to insufficient evidence.,Service connection cannot be established for any of these conditions as there is no credible evidence linking them to service.

The Board denied service connection for bilateral hearing loss disability, tinnitus, and right wrist condition. The Veteran's left foot hallux valgus was rated at 10%.,There is no evidence of a current hearing loss disability or tinnitus during service, nor is there any credible continuity of symptomatology post-service.

The Veteran's service-connected disabilities, including PTSD, diabetes, peripheral neuropathy of the lower extremities, and tinnitus, have rendered him unable to secure or maintain substantially gainful employment as of July 14, 2010. The Board has granted a TDIU effective that date.

The Board has remanded the claims of service connection for diabetes mellitus, an acquired psychiatric disorder (PTSD and depression), bilateral flatfoot, bilateral hearing loss, and tinnitus due to new evidence indicating possible in-service exposure. The Veteran should be afforded VA examinations to address these issues.

The Board denied service connection for bilateral hearing loss and tinnitus, finding that the Veteran did not have a current disability of these conditions at any time during or recent to the filing of his claim.,Service connection was also denied for tinnitus due to lack of continuity of symptomatology since service.

The Board found that the Veteran's appeal was untimely and denied his claims for service connection.

The Veteran's tinnitus is granted service connection, but the hearing loss case is remanded for further examination and opinion.

The Veteran's claims for effective dates earlier than August 25, 2013 for service connection of right ear hearing loss and tinnitus have been denied as there was no prior correspondence indicating an intent to file a claim.