Tinnitus (ringing in the ears) Board decisions

The Veteran's bilateral hearing loss and tinnitus are rated at a 10% disability level, effective from the date of the November 2019 VA examination. Basic eligibility for non-service-connected pension benefits is granted due to over 90 days of active military service during the Vietnam Era.

The Veteran's tinnitus is at least as likely as not related to service, and the claim for service connection for tinnitus has been granted.

The Board found that the Veteran's service-connected disabilities did not render him in need of regular aid and attendance or substantially confined to his home prior to October 31, 2017. Therefore, SMC based on the need for aid and attendance or housebound criteria was denied.

The Veteran's claims for service connection for diabetes, neuropathy, and tinnitus have been dismissed.,The application to reopen the prior final disallowance of service connection for tinnitus has also been dismissed.

The Board has remanded the case due to non-compliance with previous directives, specifically regarding the Veteran's periods of inactive duty for training (INACDUTRA). A new opinion is needed from a VA examiner to address whether the tinnitus is related to active duty service and INACDUTRA.

The Veteran's left knee disorder is granted as incurred during service.,Bilateral hearing loss is not granted, but the claim for tinnitus is granted due to in-service noise exposure.,A right knee disorder is remanded for further examination and opinion.

The Veteran's claims for service connection for tinnitus and bilateral hearing loss were denied in a final December 2011 rating decision. The Veteran filed an intent to reopen his claim on June 27, 2014, which was granted with an effective date of that same day. As there was no communication received by VA prior to the June 27, 2014 intent to apply for service connection, the claims cannot be dated earlier than this.

The Board has remanded the cases for further development and consideration, including obtaining an addendum opinion regarding whether the veteran's hearing loss is at least as likely as not related to service. The decision on tinnitus remains denied.

The Veteran's application to reopen his claim for service connection for bilateral hearing loss was denied. The Board found that the evidence did not establish a relationship between the Veteran’s current tinnitus and service.

The Board has denied the Veteran's claims for service connection for tinnitus, left eye injury, genitourinary disorder characterized by voiding dysfunction, sinus disorder, and skin disease due to lack of current diagnoses. The cases are remanded for further development.

The Veteran's tinnitus was granted service connection as it is presumed to have been caused by noise exposure in Vietnam. The Veteran's left knee osteoarthritis and chondromalacia were denied an increased rating as the disability does not meet the criteria for a higher rating based on limitation of motion.

The Board has remanded the claim for a total disability based on individual unemployability (TDIU) due to insufficient evidence and potential worsening of service-connected disabilities. Additional development is needed, including obtaining VA treatment records and scheduling the Veteran for VA examinations.

The Veteran's claims for special monthly pension based on the need for aid and attendance of another and statutory housebound status are granted. The Veteran meets the criteria for SMP due to a single service-connected disability (nonservice-connected depression) rated at 100% and additional conditions rated at 60%. He does not require regular aid and attendance or is substantially confined to his dwelling.

The Veteran's service-connected disabilities render him unable to secure or follow a substantially gainful occupation from October 31, 2015.

The Board has remanded the cases for a new medical opinion regarding the etiology of the Veteran's tinnitus and hearing loss, as the previous opinions were inadequate.

The Veteran's claims for higher ratings and service connection have been denied. The Board found that the evidence did not support a rating in excess of 10 percent for his scar, status-post right hernia repairs, or for his bilateral hearing loss, right knee scar, tinnitus, PTSD, status-post right knee replacement, or chondromalacia of the left knee.

The Board has granted service connection for tinnitus and bilateral degenerative joint disease of the hips, but dismissed the claim for benefits under 38 U.S.C. § 1151 due to a remand issue.

Service connection for bilateral hearing loss and tinnitus is denied.,Service connection for chloracne, arms and hands and solar keratosis, face and arms (claimed as skin rash arms and hands) is remanded.

The Veteran's tinnitus is granted as service connected, but his right ear hearing loss and left ear hearing loss are denied.

The Veteran's claim for service connection for bilateral hearing loss and tinnitus was denied, while his claim for a compensable disability rating for herpes simplex was granted. The claims for initial ratings for left hip bursitis (limitation of flexion), extension, and abduction were also granted. His claim for an increased rating for major depressive disorder was denied.