Tinnitus (ringing in the ears) Board decisions

The Veteran's service-connected disabilities, including his diabetes and related conditions, rendered him in need of regular aid and attendance. The Board found that these disabilities alone were sufficient to meet the criteria for SMC based on aid and attendance.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's tinnitus claim is granted, but his lumbar spine disability claim is denied as there is no evidence of a nexus to service.

The Veteran's current tinnitus was incurred during active service and the Board finds that he is entitled to service connection for this condition. The issues of service connection for a back disability and neurological impairment of the right lower extremity are remanded as they are inextricably intertwined with the issue of service connection for tinnitus.

The Veteran's tinnitus had its onset in service and is now granted.,Service connection for hypertension was granted effective August 22, 2005. The Veteran seeks an earlier effective date which the Board denied as VA has no authority to grant such a request under current law.,An initial noncompensable rating for hypertension is granted based on the evidence of record showing systolic pressure predominately 160 or more but not 200 or more, or diastolic pressure predominantly 110 or more. The Veteran seeks a higher rating which will be addressed in the remand.,The Veteran's service connection for bilateral hearing loss is denied as there was no evidence of record showing that his hearing loss began during service and he did not submit a claim until after separation from service.,Extraschedular consideration is granted for the Veteran's hypertension, but the issue will be addressed in the remand as it may impact other issues including TDIU.,TDIU is denied as there was no evidence of record showing that the Veteran's service-connected disabilities rendered him unemployable.

The Veteran's tinnitus and bilateral pes planus are related to his active service. The Board finds that the Veteran's bilateral leg disability (other than pes planus) is also related to his service, particularly when resolving the benefit of the doubt in his favor.

The Veteran's service-connected disabilities, including bilateral hearing loss, coronary artery disease, diabetes mellitus, tinnitus, and left knee injury with degenerative joint disease and a torn ligament, meet the percentage requirements for TDIU prior to July 18, 2012. The Board grants TDIU based on these service-connected disabilities.

The Board found that the Veteran's bilateral hearing loss and tinnitus did not have a direct link to his service, as there was no evidence of in-service noise exposure or continuous symptomatology since service. The VA examiners determined that the Veteran's hearing loss is more likely due to presbycusis (age-related hearing loss) rather than noise-induced hearing loss, and denied service connection for both conditions.

The Veteran's claims for service connection for bilateral hearing loss and tinnitus are being remanded due to the need for additional development, including obtaining medical opinions regarding the relationship between her current disabilities and her military service.

The Veteran's service-connected disabilities (hearing loss, PTSD, and tinnitus) do not interfere with his current employment as a fraud investigator. The Board finds that the statutory requirements for entitlement to Chapter 31 benefits have not been met because the claimant is not in need of rehabilitation.

The Board denied the Veteran's claims for service connection for tinnitus and a left ankle disorder, finding that there was no nexus between current symptoms of tinnitus and in-service noise exposure. The left ankle disorder was found to be related to his service-connected left heel disability.

The Veteran's appeal was denied. The issues of entitlement to service connection for a psychiatric disability, right knee disability, left knee disability, and tinnitus were addressed. The reduction in the rating for hearing loss from 50% to 20% was found to be proper.

The Veteran's appeal is being remanded due to the failure to appear at a scheduled videoconference hearing. The case will be returned for further action.

The Board has remanded the case due to inadequate opinion regarding the Veteran's hearing loss and tinnitus, specifically related to noise exposure during active duty and reserve service. The AOJ is instructed to obtain relevant Reserve service records and provide an addendum opinion from a VA examiner.

The Veteran's appeal is being remanded for additional development and consideration of new evidence, including a September 2014 private audiogram and medical opinion. The issues on appeal include service connection for tinnitus and a higher initial disability rating for bilateral hearing loss.

The Board has found that the Veteran's tinnitus is causally related to military service and grants his claim for service connection.

The Veteran withdrew his appeals for increased ratings for a painful laceration on the top of the head, tinnitus, and depressive disorder with PTSD, and service connection for headaches prior to certification of the appeal to the Board. The claim for an initial compensable rating for oligozoospermia is pending.

The Board has decided to remand the case due to the need for additional opinions from an otolaryngologist regarding the etiology of the Veteran's bilateral hearing loss disability and tinnitus. The claims will be readjudicated after obtaining any necessary information.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's bilateral hearing loss and tinnitus are related to his service, with the exception of right ear hearing loss which is not currently at issue. As such, both conditions have been granted service connection.

The Veteran's bilateral hearing loss disability is etiologically related to his active service, and the Board grants service connection for this condition. The issue of entitlement to service connection for tinnitus remains pending.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's tinnitus, obstructive sleep apnea and depression NOS had their onset in service and are therefore granted service connection.