Tinnitus (ringing in the ears) decisions — 2024

The Veteran's depression and anxiety are granted on a secondary basis, while tinnitus is granted. High cholesterol, left leg disability (apart from service-connected left lower extremity sciatic radiculopathy), right leg disability (apart from service-connected right lower extremity sciatic radiculopathy), coronary artery disease (CAD), erectile dysfunction, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD), hypertension, and thyroid disability are all denied. The Veteran's sleep apnea, headaches, and TDIU claims are remanded.

The Veteran's tinnitus is granted as service-connected.,The Veteran's bilateral hearing loss and acquired psychiatric disorder (PTSD) are remanded for further evaluation.,The Veteran's headache condition, hypertension, and GERD are each remanded for further evaluation.,The Veteran's service connection claims for a headache condition, hypertension, and GERD are remanded due to the inextricability of these issues with his acquired psychiatric disorder claim.,The Veteran's bilateral hearing loss is remanded for an examination to determine its etiology.,The Veteran's tinnitus is granted as service-connected.

The Board has remanded the claims for service connection for lower back, neck, left knee, tinnitus, and sleep-related disabilities due to non-compliance with prior remand directives.

The Veteran's claims for service connection for bilateral hearing loss and tinnitus have been reopened, but the Board has not yet issued a decision on these issues.,The Veteran's claim of service connection for GERD is remanded as there is insufficient medical evidence to make a determination.

The Veteran's appeal is remanded due to insufficient medical evidence regarding her need for aid and attendance or housebound SMC based on her service-connected disabilities. The AOJ must obtain any outstanding treatment records and schedule the Veteran for a VA examination.

The Veteran's service-connected disabilities did not preclude him from securing and following a substantially gainful occupation prior to April 2, 2016. From April 2, 2016 to June 27, 2016, the Veteran was in receipt of a total disability rating (TDIU) and Special Monthly Compensation (SMC). The appeal for TDIU is now moot as he is already receiving SMC.

The Board denied the Veteran's claim for total disability based on individual unemployability (TDIU) due to his service-connected disabilities, finding that there is not sufficient evidence to show he is unable to secure and follow a substantially gainful occupation.

The Veteran's claim for service connection for tinnitus has been denied. The Board found that the Veteran did not have a current disability and there was no evidence of in-service noise exposure or continuity of symptomatology.,The Veteran's claims for service connection for basal cell carcinoma of the back, peripheral neuropathy, right lower extremity, and left lower extremity are remanded due to insufficient development. The AOJ is instructed to obtain the credentials of the VA examiners who conducted the October 2023 examinations.

The Board has remanded the claims for bilateral hearing loss and tinnitus due to conflicting opinions from VA examiners. The appellant served in the Air Force Reserves with exposure to loud noises, including during a trip to Honduras where she reported an explosion causing her tinnitus.

The Board has remanded the cases due to the need for updated VA and private medical records related to the Veteran's claims of service connection for an acquired psychiatric condition, bilateral hearing loss, and tinnitus.

The Veteran's appeals for service connection on multiple conditions have been dismissed due to his withdrawal of the appeal.

The Veteran's service-connected disabilities did not prevent him from obtaining or maintaining substantially gainful employment prior to January 1, 2015.

The Board has granted service connection for an acquired psychiatric disorder and remanded the issues of service connection for tinnitus, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, and hepatitis C. Service connection for hepatitis C was withdrawn by the Veteran.

The Veteran's service-connected conditions, including his heart disability and related surgeries, prevent him from obtaining and sustaining gainful employment. The Board finds that the evidence supports referral of the claim for TDIU to VA's Director of Compensation Service for extraschedular consideration.

The Veteran's right shoulder disability is being remanded for additional examination and consideration of new lay statements.,Service connection for tinnitus has been granted with an effective date of July 24, 2017.

The Veteran's request to reopen and readjudicate the claim for service connection for sinusitis / allergic rhinitis was denied.,Service connection for recurrent tinnitus is granted, but an effective date prior to January 29, 2018, for the assignment of a 20 percent disability rating for right acromioclavicular degenerative joint disease remains denied.

The Veteran is granted special monthly compensation (SMC) at the increased level due to his need for regular aid and attendance as a result of service-connected TBI residuals, which would require hospitalization or institutional care if not provided by his wife.

The Veteran's tinnitus is granted service connection. The cases of hepatitis C and liver disability are remanded for further development.

The Veteran's PTSD with major depressive disorder and TBI, along with other service-connected conditions, are now rated at 100% effective August 29, 2018. A 50% rating is granted for tension headaches effective from the same date. SMC at the housebound rate is also granted starting from that date.

The Board has decided that additional development is needed before the issue of service connection for tinnitus can be adjudicated.