Tinnitus (ringing in the ears) Board decisions

The veteran's service connection for trunk and right underarm scars, and left lower leg scar is granted with an effective date of March 31, 2020. Other claims, including those for head, face, or neck scars, and higher ratings for various conditions, are denied.

The Veteran's claims for service connection for left ear hearing loss and tinnitus were denied because he failed to report for scheduled VA examinations without providing good cause.

The veteran's request for a higher rating for PTSD was denied. Service connection for tinnitus was granted, but decisions on lumbosacral strain and obstructive sleep apnea were remanded.

The veteran's request for a higher disability rating for tinnitus was denied. All other claims for service connection were remanded for further review.

The veteran's service connection for several conditions, including left and right knee disabilities, left ankle disability, left foot disability, posttraumatic headaches, TBI, and dental issues, was granted. However, service connection for bilateral hearing loss and higher ratings for other conditions were denied.

The veteran's service connection for hearing loss of the left ear and tinnitus was granted. The claim for an initial, compensable rating for right-ear hearing loss was remanded.

The veteran's claims for service connection for neck condition, higher ratings for PTSD and hearing loss, and tinnitus were denied. The claims for migraines and dizziness were remanded.

The veteran's PTSD with TBI was rated at 100% from August 1, 2022 to March 19, 2023. The veteran also qualifies for special monthly compensation (SMC) based on housebound criteria.

The Board remanded all issues to obtain missing medical records and further evaluate the veteran's claims.

Service connection for tinnitus is granted. The claim for service connection for bilateral hearing loss is remanded for further evaluation.

The Board denied service connection for tinnitus because the evidence showed it did not start during or shortly after service.

The veteran's claims for service connection for bilateral hearing loss and tinnitus were granted based on in-service noise exposure.

The Board remanded the claim for service connection for tinnitus because the VA examination was inadequate. The Veteran's statements about when his symptoms began were too imprecise, and the examiner did not clarify key details.

The veteran is granted special monthly compensation under 38 U.S.C. § 1114(l) from March 25, 2016, but the claim for entitlement to special monthly compensation under 38 U.S.C. § 1114(t) is remanded.

The veteran's claim for tinnitus was granted. The claims for right and left ear hearing loss were remanded for further evaluation.

The veteran's claims for service connection for several conditions were denied. However, the veteran was granted an initial 10 percent rating for Bell's palsy and an initial 50 percent rating for migraine headaches and sleep apnea. Several other issues were remanded for further review.

The veteran's appeal for special monthly compensation (SMC) based on aid and attendance was granted. The decision is based on the veteran's need for regular aid and attendance due to functional limitations from service-connected disabilities.

The Board denied the veteran's claim for a total disability rating based on individual unemployability (TDIU) because the evidence did not show that his service-connected disabilities prevented him from securing or following a substantially gainful occupation.

Service connection for tinnitus and left heel spur was granted. Service connection for bilateral hearing loss, a bilateral foot disorder other than service-connected bilateral pes planus and left heel spur, and a bilateral leg disorder other than service-connected bilateral knee strains was denied.

The Board granted some issues, denied others, and remanded several for further development. The veteran's ratings for onychomycosis and GERD were restored to 30 percent. Effective dates for service connection for right shoulder surgical scars and lumbar spine surgical scar were granted. Several other issues were denied or dismissed.