Tinnitus (ringing in the ears) Board decisions

The Veteran's service-connected disabilities of PTSD, lumbar spine disability, and tinnitus did not render him unable to obtain and maintain substantially gainful employment prior to November 3, 2017. Therefore, the claim for TDIU prior to this date is denied.

The Veteran's tinnitus is currently rated at the maximum schedular evaluation of 10 percent. The Board found no basis for a higher rating and denied his claim.,Service connection was not granted for an acquired psychiatric disability, as it was not shown to be incurred in or aggravated by service.

The Veteran's claim for increased rating for hiatal hernia with GERD was denied as the evidence did not show symptoms or impairment in earning capacity caused by the benign brain lesion.,Service connection for tinnitus has been granted, and service connection for diverticulitis and sleep apnea have been remanded due to conflicting opinions.

The Board has remanded the Veteran's claims of service connection for bilateral hearing loss and tinnitus due to in-service noise exposure. An addendum opinion is required from a VA clinician.

The Board has remanded the Veteran's claims for bilateral hearing loss and tinnitus due to insufficient evidence regarding his service exposure and medical history. The VA will need to obtain additional records, clarify the dates of active duty service, and schedule new examinations to determine if the Veteran's current disabilities are related to military service.

The Veteran's claim for service connection for depressive disorder is denied as the effective date cannot be earlier than August 7, 2017.,The Veteran's claims for increased ratings for his bilateral ankle disabilities are remanded as there was no formal or informal claim received prior to August 7, 2017.,The Veteran's claim for secondary service connection for degenerative arthritis of the right knee is granted and the issue is remanded.,The Veteran's claim for service connection for tinnitus is granted.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's bilateral hearing loss is aggravated by his service-connected tinnitus, and thus grants service connection for this condition as secondary to the tinnitus.

The Board has remanded the claims of service connection for hearing loss and tinnitus due to additional evidence being received.

The Veteran's claim for a rating in excess of 10 percent for residuals of a right tibia fracture was denied. The claim for TDIU from November 7, 2008 to April 9, 2012 was granted.

The Veteran's tinnitus and bilateral hearing loss were granted service connection effective June 19, 2008. A 30% rating was assigned for the entire appeal period prior to February 10, 2015, with a 40% rating beginning February 10, 2015.

The Veteran's claim for service connection for COPD was granted. His claims for depression, bilateral hearing loss, and bilateral otitis media ear damage were denied. Service connection for tinnitus was granted.

The Veteran's tinnitus and left ear hearing loss are granted service connection. Right ear hearing loss, diabetes mellitus type II, hypertension, kidney condition, peripheral neuropathy of the hands, and feet as a result of exposure to herbicides are denied.

The Board has granted service connection for bilateral hearing loss and tinnitus, finding that the Veteran's assertions of in-service noise exposure are credible and consistent with his service. The evidence supports a finding that each disability is at least as likely as not related to his military service.

The Board has remanded several issues for further development, including a new examination to determine the nature and etiology of any psychiatric disorder. The TDIU claim is also remanded due to its inextricability with other claims.

The Board has remanded the claims for service connection for low back disability, an acquired psychiatric disability (including anxiety and major depressive disorder), left foot disability, right foot disability, and skin cancer (basal cell carcinoma and melanoma) due to unresolved issues.

The Veteran's claim for service connection for tinnitus has been granted.,The Veteran's claim for service connection for bilateral hearing loss is being remanded for further development.

The Veteran's appeals for service connection were dismissed as he withdrew his appeal on several issues.,Service connection for tinnitus was denied due to lack of evidence linking the condition to service.

The Veteran's appeal for an initial compensable rating for bilateral hearing loss has been dismissed due to his withdrawal of the appeal.

Service connection is granted for bilateral hearing loss and tinnitus.,Service connection is denied for an acquired psychiatric disorder to include PTSD, benign prostate hyperplasia with voiding problems (prostate disability), and hypertension.

The Board has granted the Veteran's claim for a total disability rating based on individual unemployability (TDIU) due to service-connected disabilities, including PTSD, heart disease, diabetes, bilateral hearing loss, and tinnitus.