Tinnitus (ringing in the ears) decisions — 2024

The Board denied the Veteran's claim for service connection for tinnitus, finding that there is no current diagnosis of tinnitus and thus not meeting the first element of service connection.

The Veteran's service-connected disabilities do not result in the physical loss or permanent loss of use of one or both hands or feet, and therefore, he does not qualify for financial assistance in purchasing an automobile or other conveyance or adaptive equipment.

The Board denied effective dates prior to April 18, 2021 for the grants of service connection for various disabilities due to a lack of evidence showing an intent to file a claim before that date.

The Veteran's TDIU claim is remanded due to the failure to schedule VA examinations for his service-connected disabilities. The Veteran has multiple service-connected conditions, and a full examination is needed to assess their impact on employment.

The Board denied the Veteran's requests for earlier effective dates for TDIU and DEA benefits, finding that there was no indication in the record of unemployability due to service-connected disabilities prior to January 5, 2021.

The Veteran's appeal for service connection for irritable bowel syndrome and sleep apnea has been withdrawn.,Service connection for PTSD, right hip disability, left hip disability, low back disability, vertigo, and tinnitus is granted. Service connection for erectile dysfunction, gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD), and hypertension is also granted under the PACT Act.

The Board has determined that additional development is needed to correct pre-decisional duty-to-assist errors and obtain the Appellant's National Guard service treatment records. The claims for bilateral hearing loss, right carpal tunnel syndrome, left knee disability, left carpal tunnel syndrome, low back disability, tinnitus, right shoulder disability, and right knee disability are remanded.

The Board has granted service connection for left ear sensorineural hearing loss, but denied service connection for right ear hearing loss and tinnitus. Service connection for headaches was also denied.

The Board has decided that the Veteran's tinnitus is service connected. The hearing loss claim is remanded for further examination and consideration.

The Veteran's service-connected disabilities do not prevent him from securing and following a substantially gainful occupation.

The Board has granted service connection for tinnitus, finding that the Veteran's reported onset in service is credible and supported by his testimony. The decision also acknowledges conceded noise exposure during service.

The Veteran's service-connected disabilities, including his heart condition and hearing loss, have rendered him unable to secure or maintain a substantially gainful occupation.

The Veteran's claims for service connection for ischemic heart disease and tinnitus, as well as an increased rating for major depressive disorder, are being remanded. The issue of eligibility for Dependents' Educational Assistance (DEA) is also being addressed.

The Veteran's increased ratings for major depressive disorder with alcohol abuse disorder, tension headaches with dizziness, and tinnitus have been denied.,The Veteran's TDIU claim has also been denied as he is not unemployable due to a single service-connected disability.

The Veteran is seeking an earlier effective date for the grant of service connection for residual scars status/post prostatectomy associated with prostate cancer, but the Board finds that October 18, 2022, is the correct date.,The Veteran also seeks an earlier effective date for the grant of service connection for tinnitus, and the Board finds that August 17, 2020, is the correct date.

The Board has granted service connection for tinnitus. The claims of service connection for right ear hearing loss and left ear hearing loss with ear disease are remanded due to a duty to assist error.

The Board has determined that new and relevant evidence was submitted for the claim of service connection for tinnitus, but not for the claim of service connection for bilateral hearing loss. The Veteran's tinnitus is granted as a result of his competent statements indicating onset during service.

The Board denied a compensable disability rating for right ear hearing loss and a schedular disability rating in excess of 10 percent for tinnitus. The Veteran's service connection claims were based on direct evidence.

The appeal for an initial rating in excess of 70 percent for PTSD is dismissed. The Veteran's claim for a TDIU from May 1, 2017 is granted.

The Veteran's TDIU claim is granted with an effective date of March 18, 2014.,Basic eligibility for Dependents' Educational Assistance (DEA) benefits is also granted with the same effective date.