Tinnitus (ringing in the ears) decisions — 2023

The Veteran's service-connected disabilities render him unable to secure and follow a substantially gainful occupation, and he is in need of regular aid and attendance. The Board has granted TDIU and SMC based on the need for aid and attendance. However, the claim for a higher rating for diabetes mellitus type II remains denied.

The Board has remanded the claims for bilateral hearing loss and tinnitus due to additional development being required.

The Board has remanded the claims for bilateral hearing loss and tinnitus due to inadequate medical opinions in previous examinations.

The Board has granted service connection for bilateral hearing loss and tinnitus, finding that these conditions are related to in-service noise exposure.

The Board has remanded the Veteran's claims for HIV, left leg and foot peripheral neuropathy, tinnitus, hypertension, acquired psychiatric disorder, kidney disorder, right arm, left arm, right hand, left hand, right leg, and right foot peripheral neuropathy due to new evidence of service connection being reopened. The VA is instructed to schedule examinations and obtain medical opinions regarding the etiology of these conditions.

The Veteran's service-connected bilateral hearing loss and tinnitus disabilities rendered him unable to secure or follow a substantially gainful occupation, leading to the grant of TDIU.

The Board has denied the Veteran's claims for service connection for bilateral hearing loss and tinnitus, finding that there is no current disability during or approximate to the appeal period. The claim for a psychiatric disability was also denied as there is no evidence of a current diagnosis.,Service connection cannot be granted because there is no established link between any current disabilities and service.

The Board found that the Veteran's compensation benefits were properly withheld for 93 training days in FY 2016, as documented by his leave and earning statements. The decision is denied.

The Veteran's TDIU claim is being remanded due to the need for an updated opinion on the combined functional impact of his service-connected disabilities prior to October 2, 2019. Additionally, updated SSA records are needed.

The Board has granted service connection for tinnitus and has remanded the other issues due to the need for additional medical opinions.

The Veteran's tinnitus is granted as service-connected.,Service connection for bilateral hearing loss is denied due to lack of evidence meeting VA criteria for a disability.,The back disability is remanded for further examination and opinion.,The right lower extremity non-traumatic compartment syndrome is remanded for further evaluation.,The left lower extremity non-traumatic compartment syndrome is also remanded for further evaluation.

The Veteran's TDIU claim is granted, with the effective date being January 14, 2021.,The Veteran's initial compensable rating for bilateral hearing loss prior to January 12, 2021, and a rating in excess of 40 percent from that date onwards are both remanded.

The Veteran's appeal has been dismissed due to his death. The Board does not have jurisdiction to adjudicate the merits of these claims as he is deceased.

The Veteran's claims of service connection for bilateral hearing loss and tinnitus were reopened, with the new evidence showing a relationship to service. The claim for back condition was denied.,Service connection was granted for bilateral hearing loss and tinnitus, but not for the back condition.

The Board has granted service connection for bilateral hearing loss and tinnitus, but has remanded the cases of obstructive sleep apnea, dental condition, hypertension, left eye disability, low back disability, esophageal hernia, and cervical spine disability.

The Board has remanded the cases for additional development and examination, including obtaining private medical records and scheduling VA examinations to determine the nature and etiology of the Veteran's disabilities. The effective date for service connection for tinnitus remains June 14, 2016.

The Veteran's cause of death is granted due to his service-connected coronary artery disease and diabetes, which materially contributed to his death. However, DIC under 38 U.S.C. § 1318 is denied as the Veteran did not meet the requirements for a total disability rating at any point prior to his death.

The Veteran's appeal includes requests for increased disability ratings and earlier effective dates for service connection. The Board has determined that these issues are inextricably intertwined with other claims, necessitating remand to address all matters.

An initial rating of 50 percent for obstructive sleep apnea is granted, effective from October 16, 2012. A total disability rating due to individual unemployability (TDIU) is granted for PTSD, tinnitus, and sleep apnea, effective from October 16, 2012. The issue of TDIU for dermatophytosis is remanded.

The Board has granted service connection for bilateral hearing loss and tinnitus, finding that both conditions are related to the Veteran's military service.