Tinnitus (ringing in the ears) decisions — 2023

The Board has decided to remand the cases for further examination and opinion regarding service connection for TBI, migraines, bilateral hearing loss, and tinnitus. The Veteran's claims are not yet fully informed due to a lack of VA examiner opinions on whether these conditions had their onset in service or are related to service.

The Board has granted service connection for tinnitus but has remanded the issue of service connection for lumbar spine condition.

The Veteran's appeal for an increased rating for tinnitus has been withdrawn. The Board has remanded several service connection and rating issues due to the need for additional evidence or examinations.

The Veteran's TDIU claim was denied as his service-connected hearing loss and tinnitus did not render him unable to secure or follow a substantially gainful occupation.,The Veteran's SMC based on aid and attendance or housebound status claim was denied due to the presence of nonservice-connected disabilities that contributed to his need for assistance.

The Veteran's tinnitus is granted service connection. Service connection for an acquired psychiatric condition and migraines are remanded due to the need for additional medical examinations.

The Veteran's tinnitus is granted as service-connected.,Service connection for bilateral hearing loss is remanded due to lack of in-service evidence and potential TERA exposure.,Service connection for a sleep disorder (including sleep apnea) is remanded due to potential TERA exposure.,Service connection for any acquired psychiatric disorder is remanded due to potential TERA exposure.,Service connection for headaches, to include as secondary to a service-connected disability, is remanded due to potential TERA exposure.,Service connection for a back condition is remanded due to lack of in-service evidence and potential TERA exposure.,Service connection for a left shoulder condition is remanded due to lack of in-service evidence and potential TERA exposure.,Service connection for a right shoulder condition is remanded due to lack of in-service evidence and potential TERA exposure.,Service connection for a left ankle condition is remanded due to lack of in-service evidence and potential TERA exposure.,Service connection for a right ankle condition is remanded due to lack of in-service evidence and potential TERA exposure.

The Veteran's service-connected disabilities, including coronary artery disease, PTSD, diabetes mellitus type II, tinnitus, and left ear hearing loss, have rendered him unable to secure or follow substantially gainful employment. The Board finds that he is entitled to a total disability rating based on individual unemployability.

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

The Veteran's tinnitus is granted service connection. The issues of bilateral hearing loss, right knee disability, left knee disability, cervical spine disability, and thoracolumbar spine disability are remanded for further development.

The Board denied service connection for various conditions, including peripheral neuropathy of the upper and lower extremities, tinnitus, diabetes mellitus type II, kidney disorder, eye disorder, and erectile dysfunction. The claims were not reopened due to lack of new and material evidence.

The Board has remanded the case due to insufficient evidence regarding the etiology of the Veteran's tinnitus, specifically whether it is related to service or his service-connected migraine headaches.

The Board has decided to remand the appellant's claims for service connection for hearing loss and tinnitus, as well as his earlier effective date claim for PTSD and a higher rating for asthma. The AOJ is required to obtain additional evidence and provide the appellant with examinations.

The Board has granted service connection for obstructive sleep apnea, right ear hearing loss, and tinnitus. Service connection was denied for left ear hearing loss.

The Veteran's claims for service connection of left ear hearing loss and tinnitus have been reopened, with the left ear hearing loss disability being granted based on aggravation during active duty. The right ear hearing loss claim is remanded for further evaluation.,Service connection has also been established for bilateral tinnitus.

The Veteran's claim for service connection for tinnitus is granted. The Board finds that the Veteran's tinnitus is etiologically related to his in-service noise exposure and grants this claim. However, the issue of service connection for bilateral hearing loss remains pending as a remand is required.

The Board has reopened the Veteran's claims for service connection for tinnitus and residuals of pilonidal cyst due to new evidence submitted. The case is being remanded for further development, including obtaining medical records from March Air Force Base and scheduling a VA examination.

Service connection for tinnitus and bilateral sensorineural hearing loss is granted.,Service connection for GERD is denied.

The Board has granted service connection for bilateral hearing loss and tinnitus, finding that the Veteran's conditions are at least as likely as not related to in-service acoustic trauma.

The Veteran's service-connected disabilities, including cold injury residuals and PTSD, resulted in the need for regular aid and attendance due to physical limitations.

The Board has granted service connection for bilateral tinnitus and remanded the issue of sleep apnea due to toxic exposure risk activity (TERA). The Veteran's tinnitus is found to be related to his active service, while a VA examination is needed to determine if his sleep apnea is related to his TERA.