Tinnitus (ringing in the ears) decisions — 2024

The Board denied eligibility for attorney's fees based on past-due benefits awarded in a January 2023 Rating Decision, as the decision was not issued following a request for higher-level review or an increased rating claim form.

The Veteran's tinnitus was granted service connection. The left and right knee conditions were remanded for further examination and opinion.

The Veteran's claims for left ear hearing loss and tinnitus, as well as right ear hearing loss and tinnitus are denied due to lack of current disability. The Veteran's IBS with abdominal adhesions is currently rated at the maximum allowable under the applicable diagnostic code.,For her service-connected appendectomy scar, a VA examination is needed to determine the number and nature of scars related to her appendectomy.

The Veteran's claim for an earlier effective date for the grant of service connection for tinnitus is denied as he did not continuously pursue his claim within one year of the October 2019 rating decision and no extension request was made.

The Veteran's claim for service connection for obstructive sleep apnea (OSA), including as secondary to his service-connected tinnitus with insomnia, has been denied. The Board found that the Veteran does not have a current diagnosis of OSA.

The Board denied the Veteran's claim for a total disability rating based on individual unemployability (TDIU) prior to December 30, 2022, finding that it was not factually ascertainable that he became unemployable within one year prior to his formal TDIU claim.

The Veteran's tinnitus and acquired psychiatric disabilities, including PTSD and major depressive disorder, are granted as service-connected due to in-service noise exposure and combat experience.

The Veteran's tinnitus is granted as service connected. The claim for bilateral hearing loss is remanded due to a pre-decisional duty to assist error.

The Veteran's appeal for earlier effective date of tinnitus, service connection for myasthenia gravis, and a back condition is granted. The case is remanded to rate the newly service-connected conditions and consider entitlement to TDIU.

The Board has remanded the case due to insufficient medical opinions regarding whether the Veteran's headaches are aggravated by his service-connected cirrhosis of the liver, hypertension, and tinnitus. The VA must provide a supplemental opinion on these issues.

The Veteran's service-connected left eye iritis and bilateral hearing loss and tinnitus do not render him unable to secure or follow substantially gainful employment.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's tinnitus is at least as likely as not related to his active service, and therefore grants entitlement to service connection for tinnitus.

The Veteran's tinnitus is granted as service connected. The right hip strain with limited extension claim is remanded for additional development.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's claim of service connection for tinnitus should be remanded due to a procedural error in failing to obtain an examination or opinion regarding the issue.

The Veteran's tinnitus is granted service connection as it was present in service and has persisted since.,Service connection for PTSD is denied because there is no evidence of a current diagnosis.

The Veteran's claim for a TDIU prior to February 8, 2024 is remanded due to a pre-decisional duty to assist error. The AOJ will consider any additional evidence and obtain an addendum medical opinion from the September 2020 VA examiner.

The Veteran's bilateral hearing loss and tinnitus were not shown to be related to service, as there was no evidence of in-service noise exposure or a compensable degree of hearing loss within one year of separation. The Board denied both claims for service connection.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's bilateral hearing loss and tinnitus are not service-connected due to lack of evidence showing a nexus between current disabilities and in-service noise exposure. The Veteran's tinnitus is granted, but his bilateral hearing loss remains denied.

The Veteran's tinnitus and bilateral hearing loss have been granted service connection, with the tinnitus finding based on in-service noise exposure. The left shoulder disability has also been granted a 30 percent evaluation.,No specific evidence of exposure to burn pits, Agent Orange, Camp Lejeune, radiation, or Gulf War was provided.

The Board denied service connection for right-ear hearing loss and tinnitus, finding that the Veteran's hearing improved during service and there was no evidence of aggravation.