Tinnitus (ringing in the ears) decisions — 2023

The Board has granted compensation under 38 U.S.C. § 1151 for the Veteran's perforated right ear drum, hearing loss, and pain as a result of VA medical treatment in December 2014.

The Veteran's claims for service connection for bilateral hearing loss and tinnitus have been reopened, but the claims are still pending as they were remanded due to need for additional examination.

The Veteran's tinnitus was granted service connection as it is related to in-service noise exposure. Her rheumatoid arthritis and chronic kidney disease were denied as there was no evidence of in-service occurrence or herbicide agent exposure.

The Board has remanded the Veteran's claims for bilateral hearing loss and tinnitus due to incomplete treatment records, invalid test results from a previous VA examination, and new evidence submitted by the Veteran.

The Veteran's service-connected disabilities, including bilateral total knee replacements and tinnitus, have rendered him unable to secure or follow substantially gainful employment. The Board has granted TDIU effective November 27, 2018.

The Veteran's service-connected disabilities did not meet the schedular criteria for a total disability rating based on individual unemployability (TDIU) prior to July 6, 2011. The Board found that the Veteran was capable of securing and following substantially gainful employment due to his history, education, skill, and previous work experience.

The Veteran's claim for a rating in excess of 20 percent for his lumbar spine condition is denied. The Board found that the evidence did not meet the criteria for a higher rating under the applicable rating criteria. Additionally, the Veteran was granted TDIU based on his service-connected disabilities.

The Veteran's service-connected disabilities, including PTSD with major depressive disorder and obstructive sleep apnea, have rendered him unable to secure or follow substantially gainful employment since January 18, 2022.

The Board dismissed the appeal regarding service connection for tinnitus as there is no longer a case or controversy. The Veteran's bilateral hearing loss claim was granted, with all reasonable doubt resolved in his favor. Service connection for left knee and left eye disabilities are remanded due to insufficient VA opinions.

The Veteran's service-connected disabilities do not render him unable to secure or follow a substantially gainful occupation.

The Veteran's tinnitus claim is granted. The diabetes mellitus type II claim has been withdrawn from appeal.,The acquired psychiatric disorder (claimed as major depressive disorder) and bilateral knee and leg disorder claims are remanded for further examination and opinion.,The bilateral hearing loss claim is also remanded for further examination and opinion.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's periods of service and duty status are unclear, necessitating a remand to clarify these details and obtain any missing service treatment records.

The Veteran's tinnitus is granted as service connection due to military noise exposure during active duty.,Service connection for bilateral hearing loss is denied because the evidence does not support a finding that it was incurred or aggravated by military service.

The Veteran's claims for service connection for bilateral hearing loss disability, tinnitus, PTSD, and insomnia have been granted.,Service connection is established for tinnitus and PTSD. Insomnia remains denied.

The Board denied the Veteran's claims for service connection for left knee condition, tinnitus, and withdrew his appeal regarding upper spine condition. The decision found no evidence linking these conditions to service.

The Board has decided to remand the Veteran's claims for bilateral hearing impairment and tinnitus due to inadequate examination results from a previous VA examination. The Veteran needs to be provided with updated examinations that explain their findings in layman's terms.

The Board has granted service connection for tinnitus and headaches, with the latter being secondary to tinnitus. The decision is based on direct evidence of a nexus between the conditions and service.

The Veteran's appeal with respect to PTSD, left ankle disability, and bilateral knee disability has been dismissed.,Service connection for tinnitus (reopened) and tension headaches have been granted. The case is remanded for further action on the remaining issues.

The Veteran's claims for bilateral hearing loss, tinnitus, and an acquired psychiatric disorder have been reopened. Service connection is granted for these conditions.

The Board has granted service connection for tinnitus, finding that the Veteran's lay reports are sufficient to establish her tinnitus began during active service and continued thereafter.