Tinnitus (ringing in the ears) decisions — 2023

The Veteran's claim for service connection for tinnitus is granted. The Board also remanded the issue of service connection for bilateral hearing loss.

The Veteran's claim for an initial compensable disability rating for hearing loss was denied. The effective date for service connection for hearing loss and tinnitus was also denied.,Hearing loss is rated as Level I, which does not meet the criteria for a compensable rating.

The Veteran has withdrawn his appeals regarding service connection for a head injury, hearing loss, tinnitus, plantar fasciitis, and an increased rating for PTSD.

The Board has granted service connection for tinnitus, finding that the Veteran's currently diagnosed tinnitus had its onset during service and resolving any reasonable doubt in his favor.

The Veteran's tinnitus and left ear hearing loss disability are granted service connection, while his right ear hearing loss disability is denied.

The Board has remanded the claims for service connection for bilateral hearing loss and tinnitus due to new evidence received after the April 2019 rating decision. The Veteran's testimony at his August 2023 hearing is considered in determining whether there is a link between current symptoms and service.

The Board denied the claims for service connection for bilateral hearing loss and tinnitus due to lack of evidence showing a nexus between current disabilities and active duty service.,New evidence submitted by the Appellant did not change the outcome as the medical opinions still concluded that her hearing loss and tinnitus were not related to service.

The Board has granted service connection for tinnitus, finding that the Veteran's current condition is at least as likely as not related to his active duty service. The evidence shows a diagnosis of tinnitus during and after service, with no clear indication of an intercurrent cause.

The Board has dismissed the appeals for increased disability ratings and earlier effective dates for bilateral hearing loss and tinnitus, as well as the service connection claim for metastatic lung cancer. The Veteran's death precludes further action on these claims.

The Veteran's tinnitus is rated at the maximum schedular rating of 10 percent, and a higher rating is not warranted.,The Board has determined that additional examination and analysis are needed to determine if service connection for cerebrovascular accident (stroke) residuals, right lower extremity radiculopathy, left lower extremity radiculopathy, an acquired visual disability, a prostate disability, a cervical spine disability, a gallbladder disability, appendicitis residuals, and osteoporosis is warranted.

The Veteran's service connection claim for right ear tinnitus is granted. The claim for insomnia is remanded and will be reconsidered based on a VA examination.

The Veteran's VA disability compensation benefits were reduced due to his felony incarceration, which was proper as he was incarcerated for more than 61 days and received his first payment on October 1, 2018.

The Board has remanded several service connection claims due to the need for additional records from correctional facilities where the Veteran served.

The Veteran's claims for service connection have been reopened and are remanded due to the need for additional development, including obtaining updated VA treatment records and scheduling an examination. The appeal is granted in part as new and material evidence has been received to reopen the claim for PTSD.

The Veteran's petition to reopen his claims for PTSD, lower back disability, tinnitus, insomnia, and hearing loss was granted. The Board found new and material evidence in support of the PTSD claim, but denied reopening of the lower back disability claim due to lack of material evidence. Tinnitus is service-connected as it manifested during active duty. Hearing loss and insomnia are remanded for further examination.

The Veteran's claim for service connection for tinnitus is granted. The appeal seeking a 10 percent rating based on multiple, noncompensable disabilities has been dismissed as moot due to the assignment of a 10 percent disability rating. The Veteran's claims for increased ratings and service connection are remanded.

The Veteran's migraine headaches are rated at 50 percent, the maximum rating available under VA regulations.,VA has remanded cases regarding cervical spine conditions, left knee arthritis, right knee patellofemoral syndrome, and tinnitus for further evaluation.

The Board has granted service connection for asthma, a lumbar spine disorder, and tinnitus. The appeals for left hallux valgus, right hallux valgus, and migraines have been dismissed.

The Board has dismissed the issues of entitlement to service connection for bilateral hearing loss, tinnitus, and a left shoulder disability due to the Veteran's withdrawal at his July 2022 hearing. The issue of psychiatric disability (to include PTSD and anxiety/depression) is remanded.

The VA denied the Veteran's appeal as the withholding of compensation benefits to recoup separation pay in the amount of $18,660.07 was proper.