Tinnitus (ringing in the ears) decisions — 2026

The Veteran's appeal was dismissed because the Board Appeal request was not timely filed within one year of the May 20, 2024 rating decision. The Veteran did not provide sufficient evidence to show good cause for the late filing.

The Veteran is granted an effective date of September 24, 2020 for the award of a 70 percent rating for PTSD and a TDIU. The evidence shows that his PTSD symptoms have significantly impacted his ability to work since January 31, 2019.

The Board denied the Veteran's claims for service connection for depression, generalized anxiety disorder, and tinnitus. The Board found that the Veteran's depression and GAD were not separate and distinct from his PTSD, and therefore cannot be rated as separate service-connected conditions. Service connection was granted for tinnitus based on in-service exposure to loud noises.

The Veteran's claims for TDIU and special monthly compensation based on aid and attendance are remanded due to duty-to-assist errors, including the failure to obtain VA treatment records from the Community Care program and provide a VA examination for aid and attendance.

The Veteran's TDIU and right wrist disability claims were granted effective July 25, 2017. The right wrist was initially service-connected in May 2022, but the TDIU claim has been ongoing since at least July 25, 2011.

The Veteran's TDIU claim is granted, and the earlier effective date for DEA benefits is remanded.

The Board has granted service connection for tinnitus, finding that the Veteran's current condition is related to his military noise exposure during service.

The Veteran's service-connected conditions do not meet the criteria for eligibility for specially adapted housing (SAH) or a special home adaptation (SHA) grant due to lack of relevant disabilities.

The Board has denied service connection for bilateral hearing loss and tinnitus, finding that the evidence does not support a link to service.

The Veteran's claims for earlier effective dates for various ratings and service connection decisions were denied as they are impermissible freestanding claims.

The Board has denied service connection for prostatitis, chronic urination condition, left breast lump, right breast lump, bilateral hearing loss, and tinnitus. The claims are remanded due to the need for additional medical opinions regarding these conditions.

The Board has remanded the claim for service connection for benign prostatic hypertrophy (enlarged prostate) as secondary to his service-connected disabilities, including hypertension, temporomandibular joint syndrome with bruxism (TMJ), and cervical myofascial pain. The remand requires an updated VA examination to address the Veteran's scholarly material and the effects of medications on his enlarged prostate.

The Veteran's PTSD, bilateral hearing loss, and tinnitus have been granted service connection with a rating of 70 percent for PTSD. Effective dates prior to May 10, 2016, are denied.

The Veteran's claim for special monthly compensation (SMC) based on the need for regular aid and attendance was denied because he is not in need of such assistance due to his service-connected disabilities. The Board found that while the Veteran requires some help with daily activities, he does not meet the criteria for needing regular aid and attendance.

The Board has granted service connection for tinnitus and has remanded the issue of service connection for coronary artery disease, to include as secondary to hypertension.

The Board denied the Veteran's claim for service connection for tinnitus, finding no current disability and noting that the Veteran did not have a diagnosis of tinnitus at any point during the appeal period.

The Board denied service connection for right ear hearing loss disability, left ear hearing loss disability, and tinnitus due to a lack of evidence showing these conditions were incurred or aggravated by military service.

The Veteran's service-connected disabilities, including major depressive disorder with insomnia associated with tinnitus and headaches secondary to tinnitus, have rendered her unable to secure or maintain substantially gainful employment. The Board has granted a total disability rating based on individual unemployability.

The Veteran's bilateral hearing loss and tinnitus were not shown as chronic in service or within the applicable presumptive period, did not manifest to a compensable degree within the presumptive period, and were not noted in service with attributable continuity of symptomatology. The Board denied service connection for these conditions.,The Veteran's right knee disability was not shown as chronic in service or within the applicable presumptive period, did not manifest to a compensable degree within the presumptive period, and was not noted in service with attributable continuity of symptomatology. The Board denied service connection for this condition.

The Veteran's claims for bilateral hearing loss, tinnitus, and a neck disability claimed as cervical spinal stenosis have been remanded due to the submission of new and relevant evidence.,New and relevant evidence has been submitted that supports readjudication of the Veteran's claims.