Tinnitus (ringing in the ears) decisions — 2026

The Veteran's claim for service connection for tinnitus was denied as there is no evidence linking the condition to his in-service noise exposure.,The Veteran's request for an earlier effective date for a 10 percent rating for right knee disability was denied because it did not meet the criteria of being factually ascertainable that he had entitlement prior to July 20, 2024.,The Veteran's claim for a higher disability rating for his right knee disability was also denied as there is no evidence showing that his condition more nearly approximated the criteria for a higher rating.

The Board has denied service connection for various conditions, including bilateral hearing loss, tinnitus, TBI, a deviated nasal septum, lumbosacral strain, and a respiratory condition. The decision is based on the appellant's dishonorable discharge from military service.

The Veteran's service-connected disabilities, including vestibular neuronitis, hearing loss, and tinnitus, did not prevent him from working as an electronic technician earning six figures. The Board denied entitlement to a total disability rating based on individual unemployability prior to September 5, 2021.

The Veteran's appeal was dismissed due to his death during the pendency of the appeal.

The Board has granted service connection for bilateral hearing loss and tinnitus, finding that these conditions are etiologically linked to the Veteran's exposure to hazardous noise during his active military service.

The Veteran's claims of entitlement to service connection for various conditions have been withdrawn.,The Board has determined that the Veteran does not meet the criteria for service connection for sleep apnea, tinnitus, vertigo, and other conditions.

The Veteran's service-connected disabilities are not of such severity as to prevent him from securing or following substantially gainful employment.

The Board has granted service connection for tinnitus but has remanded the issue of service connection for bilateral knee pain due to incomplete records and need for further examination.

The Veteran's claim for an earlier effective date of September 17, 2018 for service connection of Meniere's disease with tinnitus is granted. However, the issues of a 100% rating prior to January 31, 2022 and SMC based on housebound status are still pending as they are inextricably intertwined with the effective date issue.,The Veteran's claim for an earlier effective date of January 31, 2022 for his 100% rating for Meniere's disease is also pending.

The Veteran's service-connected disabilities do not meet the criteria for special monthly compensation (SMC) based on housebound status as he does not have a single disability rated at 100% and additional disabilities independently ratable at 60%, nor is he permanently housebound by reason of his service-connected disabilities.

The Veteran's PTSD is granted with a 50 percent rating, effective from the date of his application. The other issues are remanded for further development.

The Veteran's service-connected PTSD has rendered them unable to secure or follow a substantially gainful occupation, and the Board has granted their TDIU claim.

The Veteran's service connection for tinnitus is granted. The Board finds the claim for secondary service connection for an acquired psychiatric disorder (claimed as somatic symptom disorder, unspecified anxiety disorder, and/or depression) to be remanded due to a lack of a nexus opinion.

The Board has granted service connection for tinnitus. The claims of service connection for fibromyalgia and chronic fatigue syndrome are remanded due to insufficient evidence.

The appellant is granted SMC(o) and SMC(r)(1) based on his service-connected disabilities, including PTSD, glaucoma, foot drop conditions, sleep apnea, migraines, overactive bladder, and various musculoskeletal issues. He does not qualify for higher rates due to the anatomical loss or use of extremities.

The Veteran's bilateral sensorineural hearing loss and tinnitus were not incurred or aggravated by service, as there is no evidence of in-service noise exposure causing current disabilities.

The Veteran's claim for service connection for obstructive sleep apnea is remanded due to errors in the May 2025 rating decision.,The issue of earlier effective date for TDIU has been rendered moot by the grant of SMC.

The Board has granted the Veteran's claim for service connection for tinnitus, finding that his current diagnosis of tinnitus is related to in-service noise exposure and continuing symptoms since service.

The Board has granted service connection for bilateral hearing loss and tinnitus, finding that the Veteran's symptoms were chronic in service and continuous since separation. The decision is based on presumptive service connection due to exposure to loud noise during active duty.

The Veteran's tinnitus and unspecified trauma and stressor related disorder have been granted service connection.,Service connection for a vascular disorder, to include varicose veins, an esophageal disorder (GERD), left knee disorder, and right knee disorder is remanded due to the need for further examination or evidence.