Tinnitus (ringing in the ears) decisions — 2023

The Board has dismissed the appeal for an earlier effective date for a right fibula fracture and service connection for painful joints. The Veteran's tinnitus claim is remanded due to outstanding VA treatment records, while other issues are also remanded.

The Board has granted service connection for bilateral hearing loss and tinnitus as secondary to bilateral hearing loss. The Veteran's current disabilities are considered to be causally related to his active military service.

The Veteran's claim of service connection for tinnitus was reopened, and the Board found that there is no causal relationship between her current tinnitus and her military service.

The Board has remanded the claims for service connection for tinnitus, right shoulder disability, left shoulder disability, and back disability due to insufficient evidence.,Specifically, the Veteran's claims are being returned for further development as requested by the Board.

The Veteran's tinnitus and left lower extremity radiculopathy are granted service connection. The Veteran is also granted a disability rating in excess of 10 percent for his right lower extremity radiculopathy, degenerative disc disease of the lumbar spine, and anxiety disorder.

The Veteran's claim for service connection for fatigue is denied. The initial rating for migraine headaches prior to March 22, 2016 is granted at 50 percent. Service connection claims for various joint and tinnitus conditions are remanded.

The Veteran's TDIU based solely on his service-connected PTSD is granted effective November 30, 2010. Additionally, the Veteran's SMC at the housebound rate is also granted as of this date due to the combination of his PTSD disability and other disabilities rated at 60% or greater.

The Veteran was found unable to secure and follow a substantially gainful occupation due to his service-connected disabilities prior to September 20, 2013.

The Veteran's service-connected disabilities have necessitated his reliance on others to attend to his daily personal activities, and the Board has determined that he requires regular aid and attendance due to his service-connected PTSD and heart issues.

The Veteran's tinnitus is granted service connection as it had its onset during her active service. However, the right shin splints are denied as there is no current diagnosis of this condition.

The Board denied the Veteran's claims of entitlement to service connection for various conditions, including bilateral hearing loss, tinnitus, hepatitis C, low back disability, neck disability, and gout. The evidence did not establish a direct relationship between these conditions and his active service.

The Board has determined that additional evidence needs to be considered and the claims are being remanded for further review.

The Board has remanded the Veteran's claims for bilateral hearing loss and tinnitus due to errors in the November 2018 VA examination, including an incorrect history of threshold shifts at 6000 Hertz on entrance and separation exams.

The Veteran's tinnitus was present during service and continues to this day, meeting the criteria for service connection.

The Board has determined that additional development is needed to determine the nature and etiology of any hearing loss and tinnitus, including reviewing new service records and obtaining private medical records. The Veteran will be provided with a VA examination to assess his claims.

The Board has identified new evidence that was not previously considered and requires the AOJ to review this evidence before making a decision on your claims.

The Veteran's petition to reopen a claim for service connection for right ear hearing loss is granted, and the claim is also granted.,Service connection is granted for both right ear hearing loss and tinnitus as secondary to right ear hearing loss.

The Veteran's service connection claim for left ear tinnitus is granted. Claims for service connection of left ear hearing loss, left knee disability, and left ankle disability are remanded.

The Veteran's tinnitus is granted as service connected. The claims for right shin splints, right knee disability, and residual injury of the right leg are remanded due to insufficient evidence.

The Board has reopened the Veteran's claims for prostate cancer and bilateral hearing loss due to new evidence. The issues of service connection for tinnitus, thoracic cage blood clots, erectile dysfunction (secondary to prostate cancer), and an acquired psychiatric disorder are remanded for further development.