Tinnitus (ringing in the ears) decisions — 2023

The Veteran withdrew his appeals for tinnitus and bilateral hearing loss, leading to their dismissal.

The Veteran's service-connected disabilities did not prevent him from securing or following a substantially gainful occupation prior to January 7, 2022.

The Veteran's combined service-connected disabilities prevent him from securing and following a substantially gainful occupation consistent with his education, skills, training, and work history.

The Veteran's representative withdrew the appeals for service connection of gout, bladder condition, migraine headaches, gastrointestinal problems, elbow condition, hip condition, bilateral knee condition, and tinnitus. As a result, these claims are dismissed.

The Board has determined that the withholding of VA disability compensation benefits for training days in FY 2010, FY 2009, and FY 2008 was proper due to concurrent receipt of military pay. The appeals are denied.

The Veteran's service treatment records show he had a deviated septum surgically repaired during service. The Board granted service connection for the residuals of this condition.,Service connection was denied for tinnitus due to lack of evidence supporting its occurrence and no functional impairment.

The Veteran's tinnitus is granted service connection and he receives a 60% disability rating for bilateral lower extremity neuropathy. The TDIU claim is also granted.

The Board has denied the Veteran's claims for service connection for bilateral hearing loss, tinnitus, cysts on hands, and a right leg disability (claimed as a right leg ligament condition) due to lack of new and material evidence. The Board found that there was no in-service occurrence or relationship between these conditions and the Veteran's military service.

The Board has decided to remand the case due to insufficient notice and examination for a TDIU claim, as well as incomplete treatment records. The Veteran will be provided with proper notice and an attempt at obtaining an examination to assess his occupational impairment.

Service connection has been granted for left knee osteoarthritis, right knee lateral meniscus tear with osteoarthritis status post two arthroscopic procedures, and tinnitus.,The Veteran's claims of service connection for bilateral knee conditions have been reopened due to the submission of new evidence.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's bilateral hearing loss and tinnitus are related to his active service, including exposure to hazardous noise. As a result, the claim for service connection is granted.

The Board denied the Veteran's claim for a total disability rating on individual employability prior to March 24, 2017, finding that his service-connected disabilities did not prevent him from securing or maintaining substantially gainful employment.

The Veteran's claims for increased ratings are being remanded due to the need for additional VA examinations and consideration of new evidence.

The Veteran's acquired psychiatric disorder, bilateral hearing loss, tinnitus, sleep condition (to include sleep apnea), and headaches are all granted as service-connected.

The Veteran's tinnitus is granted as service-connected.,TDIU is granted based on the combined rating of her service-connected disabilities.

The Board has remanded the claims for service connection for PTSD, right shoulder dislocation, tinnitus, and sinusitis due to new evidence received since the last denial of these conditions. The Veteran's mental condition is also being examined again as his symptoms have worsened.

The Veteran's claims for service connection for left knee, right knee, low back, and tinnitus disabilities are remanded due to the need for additional medical examinations and opinions.

The Veteran's hearing loss and tinnitus issues are remanded for additional development.,The Veteran's psychiatric disorder claim is remanded to develop evidence regarding the etiology of his condition.,The Veteran's left knee disability rating is remanded due to a new MRI showing increased severity.,A new VA examination is needed for the left knee issue.

The Veteran's claim for service connection for bilateral pes planus, right foot heel spur, and right ankle disability is granted with an effective date of December 18, 2012. The claims for sleep apnea and left shoulder disability are remanded.

The Veteran's claim for service connection for left lower extremity radiculopathy is granted. The TDIU and Dependents' Educational Assistance eligibility prior to July 26, 2022 are also granted.