Tinnitus (ringing in the ears) decisions — 2024

The Veteran's claim for service connection for tinnitus was denied, while his claim for service connection for pseudofolliculitis barbae (PFB) was granted.

The Veteran's death was attributed to myocardial infarction and cardiac insufficiency. The VA examiner opined that the service-connected conditions did not contribute substantially or materially to his death, but there is a need for an adequate medical opinion regarding the cause of death.

The Board has remanded the issues of entitlement to an effective date prior to July 17, 2019 for service connection for duodenal ulcer status post vagotomy with dumping syndrome, vomiting and diarrhea also claimed as irritable bowel syndrome (IBS), severe dietary restrictions and chronic emesis, and entitlement to service connection for rib removal due to surgery.

The Veteran's tinnitus, cervical strain with degenerative disc disease, lumbosacral strain, and migraines are all remanded for further examination and opinion due to the need for a VA examination and medical nexus opinion regarding toxic exposure risk activities.

The Board has found that the AOJ issued a decision without waiting for service records to complete transit and without determining they were unavailable. The Veteran's representative contends earlier effective dates are warranted due to incomplete service records at the time of original denials. The Board agrees and remands for de novo reconsideration.

The Veteran's PTSD with depressive disorder is granted a 70 percent evaluation, effective from the date of the decision. The Veteran's Type II diabetes mellitus and tinnitus are denied increased ratings.

The Board has decided to remand the claims for left knee, right knee, and tinnitus disabilities due to duty-related injuries in service. The Veteran's current conditions are osteoarthritis of the knees and tinnitus. The VA did not obtain an examination or opinion regarding these issues prior to the decision on appeal.

The Board dismissed the appeal due to the Veteran's death during the pendency of the appeal.

The Veteran's appeals for increased ratings for his cervical spine and right shoulder disability are dismissed.,The Veteran's appeal for an increased rating for his right shoulder acromioclavicular degenerative joint disease is also dismissed.

The Board denied an effective date prior to December 21, 2022, for the award of a total disability rating based on individual unemployability (TDIU).,The Board also denied an earlier effective date than December 21, 2022, for basic eligibility to Dependents' Educational Assistance (DEA) under 38 U.S.C. Chapter 35.

The Board has remanded the Veteran's claims for a TDIU and an earlier effective date for DEA benefits due to inextricably intertwined issues.

The Veteran's service-connected disabilities do not render him unable to obtain and sustain substantially gainful employment, as he has reported working as an independent insurance agent.

The Veteran's claims for tinnitus and left ankle disability are being remanded due to the need for additional medical opinions. The Board finds that there is new and relevant evidence warranting readjudication of both claims.

The Board has granted service connection for hemorrhoids, tinnitus, and an acquired psychiatric disorder (including PTSD and a depressive disorder). The Veteran's current conditions are found to be related to his active service.

The Board has granted service connection for bilateral tinnitus, finding that the Veteran's tinnitus is related to in-service hazardous noise exposure during combat operations.

The Board has granted service connection for tinnitus, finding that the Veteran's current diagnosis is linked to his in-service noise exposure and that there is a causal link between his military service and his condition.

The Board has granted service connection for tinnitus but has remanded the issue of service connection for left eye pterygium due to a duty-to-assist error in the July 2021 rating decision.

The Board has granted service connection for tinnitus, finding that the Veteran's symptoms are related to his military service.

The Veteran's tinnitus is granted as service connected, with the Board finding that it is at least as likely as not related to hazardous noise exposure during his military service.

The Board denied service connection for tinnitus and bilateral hearing loss, finding that the evidence did not establish a nexus between these conditions and military service.