Tinnitus (ringing in the ears) decisions — 2024

The Veteran's tinnitus is granted service connection and his bilateral hearing loss does not warrant an initial compensable rating.

The Veteran's claims for service connection for tinnitus and a higher rating for his service-connected social anxiety have been denied. The Board found that there was no evidence of chronic tinnitus in service or within the presumptive period, and the VA examiner opined that the Veteran's tinnitus is not related to military noise exposure. For the social anxiety claim, the Board noted that while occupational and social impairment exists, it does not meet the criteria for a 70% rating as required by Diagnostic Code 9400.

The Veteran's claim for service connection for tinnitus has been granted. The claim for service connection for bilateral foot disability is being remanded.

The Board has found that the Veteran's service connection claims for various disabilities are remanded due to errors in obtaining and reviewing VA treatment records prior to August 2019, as well as failing to schedule a VA examination.

The Veteran's TDIU is granted effective May 1, 2018, as he has been unable to secure or follow substantially gainful employment due to his service-connected disabilities since at least 2009.

The Veteran's claim for service connection for bilateral hearing loss is denied as the evidence does not show a nexus between his current condition and military noise exposure.,The Veteran's claim for service connection for tinnitus is denied as the evidence does not show a nexus between his current condition and military noise exposure.

The Veteran's tinnitus was granted service connection as it manifested during his period of active-duty service and has continued since.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's right shoulder condition is not related to his service and remands the case for further development.,The Veteran contends his current right shoulder condition is due to heavy lifting during service, but there is no evidence of a pre-existing injury or chronic condition in service. The VA examination did not find any link between his current condition and service.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's request for higher-level review was timely submitted, and thus the appeal is considered valid. The VA denied service connection for various conditions in a previous rating decision, but the Board found that the Veteran's submission of his request for higher-level review was timely.

The Veteran's claims for increased ratings for bilateral hearing loss and tinnitus were denied. The Board found no evidence to support a compensable evaluation for the Veteran's bilateral hearing loss, and his maximum schedular rating for tinnitus was upheld.

The Board has decided to remand the Veteran's claims for tinnitus, cervical degenerative joint disease with right arm neuropathy, and lumbosacral strain due to inadequate VA examination opinions. The claims will be reconsidered by the AOJ after obtaining new medical opinions.

The Board denied service connection for tinnitus, finding no nexus between the current condition and service due to inconsistent reports of onset and denial of tinnitus prior to 2019.

The Veteran's tinnitus is granted as service connected. The Board found sufficient evidence to support the claim, including the Veteran's statements about onset in service and credible medical opinion.

The Veteran's claim for a left elbow disorder is denied as there is no persuasive evidence of a current disability during or approximate to the appeal period.,Service connection for tinnitus is granted based on in-service noise exposure and credible testimony from the Veteran.

The Board has granted service connection for tinnitus and bilateral hearing loss, finding that the Veteran's current conditions are related to his in-service noise exposure.

The Board has dismissed the appeals for service connection and rating for tinnitus, allergic rhinitis (claimed as sinus problems), low back pain, lumbar radiculopathy on both sides of the body, and pseudofolliculitis barbae. The Veteran's death during the appeal process means these claims are now closed.

The Veteran's service-connected disabilities do not require the need for regular aid and attendance, as he is capable of performing most activities of daily living with assistance from his informal caretaker.

The Veteran's left ear hearing loss is granted as it is related to active service.,The Veteran's right ear hearing loss, which was preexisting but aggravated by service, is also granted.,The Veteran's tinnitus is granted as it is related to his active service.

The Board has granted service connection for bilateral hearing loss and tinnitus, finding that the evidence is at least in equipoise as to whether these conditions are related to the Veteran's military service. The decision resolves any reasonable doubt in favor of the Veteran.

The Board has remanded the Veteran's claims for tinnitus and bilateral hearing loss due to potential errors in obtaining medical records and providing adequate VA examinations. The AOJ is instructed to obtain any missing private medical records and schedule the Veteran for a VA examination to determine if his conditions are related to service.