Tinnitus (ringing in the ears) decisions — 2023

The Veteran's service-connected disabilities, including PTSD, bilateral hearing loss, and tinnitus, have rendered her unable to secure or follow substantially gainful employment consistent with her work and education background.

The Veteran's bilateral tinnitus, BHL disability, OSA, and TMJ disorder with bruxism were all granted service connection.,All issues on appeal have been resolved in the Veteran's favor.

The Veteran's claims for service connection for hyperacusis in both ears have been granted. The Board found that the Veteran incurred his hyperacusis while in service due to exposure to hazardous noise from combat operations, and it has manifested since then.

The Veteran's service-connected disabilities did not render him unemployable prior to February 13, 2020. The Board found that the evidence does not show he was unable to secure and follow a substantially gainful occupation due to his service-connected conditions.

The Board has dismissed the Veteran's claims for bilateral hearing loss, bilateral tinnitus, stomach condition (acid, gas, chronic constipation, and hiatal hernia), and irregular heartbeat as they were granted service connection in an August 2023 rating decision. The claim for globus hystericus (lump in throat) and eye disability is remanded.

The Veteran's right knee disability, tinnitus, allergic rhinitis (presumed), and obstructive sleep apnea are all granted service connection. The specific nature of the other specified depressive disorder is denied.

The Board has granted the Veteran's request to reopen his claim for service connection for tinnitus and has determined that he is entitled to this benefit based on in-service noise exposure. The decision also acknowledges that there was no mention of tinnitus in his service records, but finds that the Veteran's statements about continuous exposure during service are credible.

The Veteran's claim for service connection for bilateral hearing loss is denied, while his claim for tinnitus is granted.

The Board has remanded the Veteran's claims for service connection for bilateral hearing loss and tinnitus, as well as his claim for TDIU due to in-service noise exposure. The claims will be reviewed again with a new examination for hearing loss.

The Veteran's claim for an earlier effective date for SMC based on housebound criteria is denied as he did not meet the required schedular criteria or confinement conditions prior to June 5, 2015.

The Board has determined that the veteran's tinnitus had its onset during service and granted service connection for this condition.

The Board has dismissed the claim for service connection of tinnitus due to a prior grant in March 2020. The issues of service connection for bilateral hearing loss and neurological condition (to include headaches) are remanded for further development.

The Board has granted the Veteran's claim of service connection for tinnitus, finding that his symptoms began in service and are related to his combat noise exposure. The claim is based on direct service connection due to a chronic disease under 38 C.F.R. § 3.309(a).

The Board has decided to remand the cases for further development and consideration due to inadequate medical opinions regarding the Veteran's hypertension, bilateral hearing loss, and tinnitus.

The Board has granted service connection for tinnitus and remanded the issues of service connection for left ear hearing loss and right ear hearing loss.

The Board has remanded the case due to inconsistencies in the effective date of TDIU and further development is needed. The Veteran's service-connected disabilities include diabetes, prostate cancer, peripheral neuropathy, tinnitus, hearing loss, and erectile dysfunction.

The Board has denied service connection for a skin condition other than of the feet, including acne vulgaris. Service connection is granted for bilateral hearing loss and tinnitus.

The Board has remanded the Veteran's claims for service connection and compensation under 38 U.S.C. § 1151 due to incomplete records, conflicting evidence, and need for further examination.

The Veteran's appeal for a higher rating in excess of 10 percent for service-connected tinnitus on or at any time after February 16, 2011 has been withdrawn. The earlier effective date claims for scars and tinnitus have been granted.,The Veteran's claim for increased ratings for service-connected residuals of one scar on the chin with one characteristic of disfigurement (Diagnostic Code 7800) and painful residuals of one scar on the chin (Diagnostic Code 7804) is remanded.

The Board has remanded the claims of service connection for bilateral hearing loss and tinnitus due to additional development being necessary.