Tinnitus (ringing in the ears) decisions — 2024

The Board has granted service connection for bilateral tinnitus. The issues of entitlement to an initial rating in excess of 50 percent for PTSD prior to May 10, 2022, and to a rating in excess of 70 percent thereafter, as well as the issue of entitlement to TDIU prior to May 10, 2022, are being remanded.

The Board has granted service connection for right ear hearing loss and tinnitus. The claim for left ear hearing loss is remanded due to a lack of an adequate medical opinion regarding the aggravation of pre-existing hearing loss.

The Veteran's service connection claims for tinnitus and bilateral hearing loss have been granted. However, the Veteran's claim for a compensable initial rating for his right inguinal hernia has been denied.

The Veteran's service-connected PTSD has rendered him unable to secure or follow a substantially gainful occupation, leading to the grant of total disability evaluation based on individual unemployability (TDIU).

The Board has restored service connection for recurrent tinnitus, finding the original award was not clearly and unmistakably erroneous.

The Veteran's service-connected disabilities, including PTSD, lumbosacral strain, bilateral tinnitus, left and right lower extremity radiculopathy, prevent her from securing and following a substantially gainful occupation.

The Board has granted service connection for tinnitus but denied service connection for an acquired psychiatric disability, including depression, anxiety, and PTSD.

The Veteran's tinnitus is granted as service connected, with the Board finding that it began during his active duty and is related to noise exposure.

The Board denied the Veteran's claim for special monthly compensation (SMC) based on the need for aid and attendance due to service-connected disabilities, finding that there was no persuasive evidence showing he needed regular aid and assistance from another person or was housebound as a result of his service-connected conditions.

An earlier effective date for service connection of tinnitus is denied.,The claim of reopening the bilateral hearing loss was granted, but a new VA examination is needed to determine if left ear hearing loss is related to service.

The Veteran's claim for TDIU is remanded due to incomplete employment and income information. The RO must verify the Veteran's work history, obtain completed VA Forms 21-4192 from his employers, and determine if he qualifies for TDIU on a schedular or extraschedular basis.

The Veteran's major depressive disorder with psychotic features was granted service connection.,Service connection for bilateral hearing loss and tinnitus is denied.

The Veteran's service connection claims for ocular myasthenia gravis, tinnitus, and polycythemia vera have been granted. The claim for a bilateral foot condition is remanded.

The Veteran's tinnitus, type II diabetes mellitus secondary to his right knee disability, sleep apnea, diabetic peripheral neuropathy, diabetic retinopathy, and erectile dysfunction are all granted. The Veteran's bilateral hearing loss is denied.

The Veteran's claims for tinnitus, bronchitis residuals, hearing loss, low back disability, and right ankle disability have been granted. The VA has ordered additional development for the hearing loss claim due to potential burn pit exposure, and the low back and right ankle disabilities require further examination.

The appeal has been dismissed due to the death of the appellant, and no final decision can be made regarding the service connection claims.

The Board has remanded the issues of service connection for bilateral hearing loss, tinnitus, left shoulder disability, right shoulder disability, left knee disability, and right knee disability due to inadequate examination opinions. Additional evidence is needed, including VA Employee Health records and private treatment records from Arkansas Pain Center.

The Board has dismissed the Veteran's claims for service connection for COPD, pneumonia, bilateral hearing loss, and tinnitus due to his withdrawal of these claims during a Board hearing. The claim for TDIU is granted.

Service connection for tinnitus is granted.,An effective date of November 12, 1981, but no earlier, for the award of service connection for scar, status post ligament transfer left ankle sprain is granted. However, a rating in excess of 20 percent for the Veteran's left ankle disability remains pending and requires further examination.

The Veteran's appeal for service connection for tinnitus and an initial compensable rating for bilateral hearing loss is being remanded due to the need for updated VA records, a nexus opinion regarding the etiology of his tinnitus, and further development related to SSA disability benefits.