Tinnitus (ringing in the ears) decisions — 2023

The Veteran's tinnitus, left upper extremity diabetic peripheral neuropathy, right upper extremity diabetic peripheral neuropathy, left lower extremity diabetic peripheral neuropathy, and right lower extremity diabetic peripheral neuropathy have been granted service connection. The appeal regarding a higher evaluation for SMC is dismissed.

The Veteran's tinnitus is found to be related to his active duty service, including in-service noise exposure. After resolving all doubt in favor of the Veteran, the Board finds that service connection for tinnitus is warranted.

The Board has dismissed all service connection claims due to the Veteran's death.

The Veteran's TDIU appeal is remanded as there has been no medical opinion addressing the combined effects of his service-connected disabilities on his occupational impairment.

The Veteran's initial disability ratings for tinnitus, PTSD, and hypertension are denied. Service connection for a back disorder, tension headaches, and vertigo is also denied.,An initial disability rating in excess of 50 percent for PTSD is denied.

The Board has remanded the Veteran's claims for service connection due to outstanding records and inconsistencies in her testimony regarding exposure during service. The claims will be returned for further development.

The Board has granted an initial disability rating of 70 percent for PTSD from January 4, 2012 to February 17, 2015 and from June 1, 2015. The Veteran is also granted a TDIU during these periods.

The Veteran's tinnitus is granted service connection, but the claim for bilateral hearing loss and rating of lumbosacral spine disability prior to February 8, 2021, and in excess of 40 percent thereafter is remanded.

The Board has granted service connection for tinnitus. The claims for left ear hearing loss and sleep apnea are remanded due to insufficient evidence regarding the etiology of these conditions.

The Veteran's PTSD is rated at 70 percent since September 27, 2014. The Veteran's headaches are rated at 50 percent since June 17, 2019. The Veteran's tinnitus is rated at 10 percent.

The Veteran's claim for service connection for asthma was denied in a February 2007 rating decision. New and material evidence has not been received to reopen this claim.,New and material evidence has been received to reopen the Veteran's previously denied claims for service connection for chronic tension headaches (headaches) and tinnitus, both of which are now granted.

The Veteran's claims for service connection have been reopened, but the Board has not yet decided whether they are well-grounded.,The Veteran is seeking service connection for hearing loss, tinnitus, and recurring cysts. The VA has determined that new evidence supports reopening these claims.

The Board has denied the Veteran's claims for service connection for tinnitus and bilateral hearing loss, finding that there is no evidence of a current disability or in-service incurrence or aggravation. The Board also found conflicting evidence regarding when symptoms started.

The Veteran's tinnitus is granted as service connected. The issue of service connection for bilateral hearing loss is remanded.

The Veteran's claims of service connection for bilateral hearing loss and tinnitus have been remanded due to the need for additional medical examinations. The issues are still pending as they were not decided on their merits.

The Board has granted service connection for bilateral hearing loss and tinnitus, finding that the Veteran's conditions are at least as likely as not related to in-service acoustic trauma.

The Veteran meets the schedular criteria for TDIU, but his service-connected disabilities do not render him unable to secure or follow substantially gainful employment.

The Veteran's service connection claims for bilateral hearing loss and tinnitus have been granted. Bilateral hearing loss is considered to be due to in-service exposure to acoustic trauma, while tinnitus is attributed to the Veteran's military duties involving prolonged noise exposure.

The Board has granted service connection for tinnitus, finding that the Veteran's reported onset during active duty is credible and resolving any doubt in her favor.