Tinnitus (ringing in the ears) decisions — 2024

The Veteran's claims for increased ratings for bilateral hearing loss and tinnitus were denied as there was no evidence of an increase in severity beyond the current noncompensable rating, and the maximum schedular evaluation (10%) is already assigned for both conditions.

The Board has remanded the claims for bilateral hearing loss and tinnitus due to a duty to assist error. A new examination is needed to address the nature and etiology of the Veteran's hearing loss and tinnitus, considering his lay statements about symptoms shortly after service.

The Veteran's tinnitus started during active service and has continued since then. The Board found that the Veteran's tinnitus is related to his in-service noise exposure, granting service connection for tinnitus.

The Veteran's service-connected disabilities, including bilateral hearing loss, lumbar spine DDD, tinnitus, eczema, and left-hand arthritis, have rendered him unable to secure or follow a substantially gainful occupation since June 29, 2021.

The Board has remanded the Veteran's claims for hearing loss, headache, and skin disorders due to outstanding treatment records.

The Board has denied the Veteran's claims for service connection for bilateral sensorineural hearing loss and tinnitus, finding that there is no evidence of a nexus between these conditions and active duty service.

The Veteran's claims for a compensable disability rating for left ear hearing loss and a higher rating for tinnitus were denied as there is no legal basis to award such benefits.

The Veteran's service-connected disabilities, including back disability, radiculopathy, knee and foot disabilities, and hearing loss/tinnitus, render him unable to secure or follow substantially gainful employment prior to August 29, 2022. The Board has granted a TDIU based on the severity of these conditions.

The Veteran's tinnitus was granted service connection. The Board found the evidence insufficient to establish a link between his bilateral hearing loss and active duty, thus remanding for further examination.

The Veteran's combined disability evaluation is 10 percent, which does not meet the threshold for dependency compensation benefits.

The Board has granted service connection for allergic rhinitis and denied service connection for tinnitus, sciatica of the LLE and RLE, sleep apnea, GERD, major depression, and insomnia.

The Board denied the Veteran's claim for SMC based on aid and attendance, finding that his service-connected disabilities do not render him in need of regular aid and assistance due to daily living activities.

The Veteran's right ear hearing loss and tinnitus are granted as service-connected.,Service connection for left ear hearing loss is remanded.

The Board has granted service connection for bilateral hearing loss and tinnitus, finding that the Veteran's conditions are related to his in-service noise exposure.,Both a VA examiner and a private medical provider have provided opinions supporting the Veteran's claims of bilateral hearing loss and tinnitus being related to his military service.

The Board denied the Veteran's claim for service connection for tinnitus, finding that there was no evidence of in-service noise exposure or a nexus to active duty.

The Veteran's tinnitus had onset in service and continued since service, granted service connection.,Bilateral hearing loss does not meet VA criteria for a disability at any time during the appeal period, denied service connection.,Left leg shin splints were not diagnosed during or close to service, denied service connection.,Right leg shin splints were not diagnosed during or close to service, denied service connection.,Service connection granted for left flatfoot due to pre-existing condition aggravated by service.

The Veteran's claims for effective dates prior to July 22, 2021, for service connection have been denied as the evidence does not show a complete claim was received within one year of the intent to file.,VA has also determined that an effective date prior to July 22, 2021, for SMC based on anatomical loss of use of the bilateral breasts is not warranted due to lack of service-connected disabilities.

The Veteran's tinnitus is granted as service connected, with the Board finding that it began during his active military service and has continued since.

The Board denied service connection for tinnitus as the Veteran's current diagnosis was not shown to be related to his military service, including noise exposure.

The Veteran's claim for an initial compensable rating for bilateral hearing loss is denied. The Board found that the January 2022 VA examination was adequate and that the severity of his hearing loss was adequately assessed.,The Veteran's claim for an initial rating more than 10 percent for tinnitus is denied. There is no legal basis to award a higher schedular rating, or separate ratings for each ear.