Tinnitus (ringing in the ears) decisions — 2023

The Veteran's right ear hearing loss is not rated compensable, but his tinnitus has been granted service connection.

The Veteran's tinnitus was granted service connection as it is considered to be directly related to his military noise exposure during active duty.

The Board has remanded the claims for bilateral hearing loss, tinnitus, Type II diabetes mellitus (claimed as due to herbicide exposure), and a kidney disability (including tumor) due to potential errors in the audiometric evaluations and service connection determinations.

The Veteran withdrew his claims for an earlier effective date for tinnitus and service connection for a back disability, so the Board has dismissed these issues.

The Board has determined that further development is necessary before the Veteran's claims can be adjudicated due to incomplete medical records and inadequate opinions. The claims for tinnitus, left-hand disability, right ankle disability, and cervical spine disability are all remanded.

The Board has granted service connection for tinnitus, finding that the Veteran's current condition is related to his military service and noise exposure during active duty.

The Veteran withdrew his appeals for tinnitus and bilateral hearing loss before the Board could make a decision.

The Veteran's tinnitus is granted as service-connected.,Service connection for arthritis, hypertension, dizziness to include as secondary to hypertension, heart condition to include as secondary to hypertension, prostate cancer to include as due to asbestos and/or lead paint, lung condition to include as due to asbestos exposure, erectile dysfunction to include as secondary to medication for prostate cancer, and diabetes mellitus type II to include as due to toxic exposure from a naval vessel is denied.,The Veteran's tinnitus, arthritis, hypertension, dizziness, heart condition, prostate cancer, lung condition, erectile dysfunction, and diabetes mellitus type II are remanded for further development.

The Veteran's psychiatric disorder, including PTSD, is granted as service connected.,Tinnitus is also granted as service connected.

The Board has remanded the claims for bilateral hearing loss, tinnitus, and ankle disabilities due to incomplete documentation of attempts to schedule the Veteran for examinations. The Veteran's service records indicate prior hearing loss in his left ear that existed before service.

The Board has granted the Veteran's motion to vacate their decision on the claims of service connection for bilateral hearing loss, tinnitus, migraine headaches, and acquired psychiatric disorder due to a procedural error in not acknowledging an extension request. The cases are being remanded for further development.

The Board has remanded the claims of service connection for bilateral hearing loss, tinnitus, type 2 diabetes mellitus, chronic kidney disease, respiratory disability, peripheral circulatory disorder, right lower extremity neurological impairment, and left lower extremity neurological impairment due to inextricably intertwined issues remaining on appeal.

The Board has granted service connection for tinnitus and right ear hearing loss, but denied service connection for left ear hearing loss. The decision is based on the Veteran's in-service neurological injury leading to tinnitus, continuous acoustic trauma during service resulting in right ear hearing loss, and no evidence of left ear hearing loss meeting VA criteria.

The Veteran's service-connected TBI and headaches have prevented him from maintaining substantially gainful employment since August 29, 2012. The Board granted a total disability rating based on individual unemployability (TDIU) effective that date.

The Board has remanded the Veteran's claims for service connection for bilateral hearing loss, tinnitus, chronic fatigue syndrome, sleep apnea, and restless leg syndrome due to insufficient evidence in the record. The issues are being returned for further development including obtaining additional medical opinions and records.

The Board has decided to remand the Veteran's claims for bilateral hearing loss and tinnitus due to an inadequate examination. The Veteran was exposed to noise during service, and a new examination is needed to assess whether his hearing loss and tinnitus are related to this exposure.

The Board has determined that more development is needed for the Veteran's service connection claims, including VA examinations and consideration of additional evidence. The claims are being remanded to allow for this.

The Veteran's service-connected disabilities, including his low back disorder and chronic adjustment disorder, rendered him unable to secure or maintain substantially gainful employment from June 4, 2012, to January 30, 2020. The Board granted a TDIU for this period.

The Veteran's claim for service connection for tinnitus has been granted. The issue of a rating in excess of 20 percent for left lower extremity sciatica is remanded.

The Board has remanded the Veteran's claims of service connection for subdural hematoma, seizure disorder, and tinnitus due to insufficient evidence regarding their relationship to in-service head injuries. The Veteran is also being asked to provide additional VA treatment records.