Tinnitus (ringing in the ears) Board decisions

The Board has granted service connection for tinnitus, finding that the Veteran's current diagnosis is related to his in-service noise exposure. The appeal is remanded for further development regarding entitlement to a total disability rating based on individual unemployability (TDIU).

The Veteran's appeal for service connection for tinnitus was dismissed because the Veteran withdrew his appeal before a hearing could be held.

The Veteran's service-connected disabilities, including diabetes mellitus and neurogenic bladder condition, require regular aid and attendance. Therefore, special monthly compensation based on aid and attendance is granted. As the issue of housebound status is moot due to the grant of aid and attendance, special monthly compensation based on housebound status is dismissed.

The Veteran's right and left hip disorders are granted service connection as the evidence supports an in-service injury and continuity of symptoms.,Service connection for bilateral hearing loss is denied due to lack of a current diagnosis for VA purposes, but tinnitus is granted as it began during service.

The Board has granted service connection for tinnitus as a 'chronic' disease under the provisions of 38 U.S.C. § 1112 and 38 C.F.R. § 3.303(b), based on continuous post-service symptoms of tinnitus.

The Veteran's appeal was dismissed because the Board Appeal request was not timely filed with respect to the November 19, 2021 rating decision denying service connection for various conditions.

The Board has granted the Veteran's claim for service connection for tinnitus, finding that there is a balance of evidence in favor of the claim and applying the benefit of the doubt doctrine.

The Veteran's service-connected left ankle disability aggravated her right ankle condition, leading to the grant of service connection for this condition.,Her service-connected left ankle disability also caused her bilateral knee conditions (right and left pes anserine bursitis), resulting in the grant of service connection for these conditions.

The Veteran's tinnitus is not related to his military service, including noise exposure during active duty and National Guard/Reserve training. The Board finds that a remand is necessary to obtain an addendum opinion considering the Veteran's Reserve service.

The Board has decided to remand the claims for service connection for acquired psychiatric disorder, bilateral carpal tunnel syndrome, bilateral knee conditions, pes planus, bilateral shin splints, and tinnitus due to pre-decisional duty-to-assist errors. Additional evidence is needed from VA.

The Board has remanded the claims for service connection for tinnitus and bilateral hearing loss due to a duty to assist error related to scheduling an examination for the Veteran while incarcerated.

The appeal for service connection for left and right knee disabilities is dismissed.,The appeal for service connection for tinnitus is granted.,The appeal for service connection for bilateral plantar fasciitis and thoracolumbar spine disability (including lumbosacral and thoracolumbar strain with radiculopathy of the bilateral lower extremities) is remanded.

The Veteran's sleep apnea, neck disability, and tinnitus are all found to have begun during active service.,The Veteran's left hip condition is not related to his service-connected knee disabilities. The right hip condition and lumbar spine condition are also not related to his service-connected knee disabilities.,Service connection for a left hip condition, a right hip condition, and a lumbar spine condition is denied.

The Board has determined that the evidence is insufficient to establish service connection for cause of death and remands the case for further development.

The Board has dismissed all claims of service connection and increased ratings for various conditions, including diabetes, eye conditions, GERD, gout, hypothyroidism, neck disability, left shoulder disability, left knee disability, right knee disability, and bilateral hearing loss. The effective dates for the granted disabilities have also been dismissed.

The Board denied the Veteran's claims of service connection for left ankle disability, left knee disability, hypertension, vertigo/loss of balance, bilateral hearing loss, and tinnitus. The evidence did not support a current diagnosis of any of these conditions or their relationship to military service.

The Veteran's TDIU claim is being remanded due to incomplete information and the need for further examination. The AOJ will gather necessary employment history, Social Security Administration (SSA) benefits information, and a VA examination.

The Veteran's claims for tinnitus and bilateral hearing loss were granted with a 10% rating effective April 10, 2025. The appeal for an earlier effective date was denied. The claim for increased ratings for both conditions is also denied.

The Veteran's migraine headaches are not rated compensably due to the absence of characteristic prostrating attacks.,Service connection for tinnitus is granted as it began within one year of separation from service.,An initial disability rating greater than 50% for an acquired psychiatric disorder (depressive disorder) is denied. The Veteran's condition, however, has been restored to a 50% rating effective August 1, 2025.

The Veteran's tinnitus is found to be related to his military service, and the Board grants service connection for this condition.