Tinnitus (ringing in the ears) Board decisions

The Veteran's current right ear hearing loss is related to his period of active service.,The Veteran does not have a left ear hearing loss disability for VA purposes.,The Veteran's current tinnitus is related to his period of active service.

The Veteran's PTSD is granted with an initial 70 percent rating, effective from the date of his claim. Other service-connected conditions are also granted or remanded as specified.

The Board has remanded the case due to insufficient medical opinions regarding whether the Veteran's bilateral hearing loss is caused by his service-connected tinnitus and migraines. The claim will be reconsidered with new medical opinions.

The Veteran's asthma is currently rated at 30 percent, and the Board denied a higher rating.,The Veteran was granted TDIU from April 20, 2020. The case is being remanded to consider entitlement to TDIU before that date.

The Board granted service connection for an acquired psychiatric disorder, including PTSD, major depressive disorder, and schizophrenia, as well as tinnitus. The rating for bronchial asthma was restored to 30 percent effective May 1, 2019.

Service connection has been granted for bipolar disorder, left hip impairment, right hip impairment, cervical spine injury, gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD), hypertension, tinnitus, voiding dysfunction, and erectile dysfunction.,Effective dates have been assigned for service connection based on the filing of a VA 21-0966 Intent to File within one year of May 7, 2016.

The Veteran's claims for service connection for tinnitus, allergic rhinitis, and left foot degenerative arthritis are granted. Service connection for bilateral hearing loss is denied.

The Board has determined that additional VA treatment records need to be considered and a new supplemental statement of the case (SSOC) should be issued to address these claims.

The Board has granted service connection for tinnitus, finding that the Veteran's in-service noise exposure is presumed and his condition began during service. Service connection for right ear hearing loss was denied as there is no current disability meeting VA criteria.

The Veteran's claims for increased ratings and TDIU are being remanded due to the need for additional medical examinations and records.

The Veteran's claim for service connection for a right ear hearing loss disability was denied as there is no evidence of current hearing loss in that ear.,Service connection for left ear hearing loss and tinnitus was granted, but the Veteran does not meet the criteria for a compensable rating or an increased rating.

The Veteran's service-connected depressive disorder and headaches have prevented him from securing or following substantially gainful employment since October 14, 2015. The Board has granted a TDIU effective as of that date.

The Board has decided to remand the claims for hypertension, sleep apnea, bilateral hearing loss, and tinnitus due to procedural issues with the Notice of Disagreement form.

The Veteran's claims of service connection for pseudofolliculitis barbae, chronic sinusitis, and tinnitus have been granted. The claim of service connection for bilateral lower extremity radiculopathy has also been granted as secondary to the service-connected bilateral hip stress fractures.

The Veteran's claim for an earlier effective date for tinnitus is denied as the earliest effective date available has already been awarded.,The issue of an earlier effective date for adjustment disorder with depressed mood is dismissed due to withdrawal by the Veteran and his attorney.,New and material evidence has been received, reopening the previously denied claim of entitlement to service connection for a bilateral knee condition.,Service connection for right knee disability is remanded as VA examiner opinions are needed regarding the nature and etiology of the disability.,Service connection for left knee disability is remanded as VA examiner opinions are needed regarding the nature and etiology of the disability.,A rating in excess of 10 percent for service-connected adjustment disorder with depressed mood is remanded due to a need for an updated assessment of the Veteran's condition.,Rating in excess of 20 percent for service-connected lumbar spine degenerative disc disease and related radiculopathy (sciatic nerve) is remanded as VA examiner opinions are needed regarding the severity of these disabilities, including whether they manifest ankylosis or functional equivalent thereof.,The Veteran's claim for a total disability rating based on individual unemployability (TDIU) due to his service-connected disabilities is remanded.

The Board has remanded the case due to inadequate medical opinions regarding whether the Veteran's service-connected psychiatric disability caused or aggravated his tinnitus. The claim is now pending for further development and an appropriate opinion from a VA psychiatrist.

The Veteran's claim for service connection for residuals, left periorbital injury is being remanded due to the submission of new and material evidence. The claims for a higher disability rating for his scar over the left eye and for an acquired psychiatric disorder are also being remanded.

The Veteran's claim is being remanded for a detailed audit and review of the overpayment due to his incarceration periods, as well as consideration of his request for waiver.

The Veteran's death was not caused by a service-connected disability, and the claim for DIC under 38 U.S.C. § 1318 is denied.

The Board has denied service connection for right ear hearing loss and tinnitus. The case is being remanded to schedule the Veteran for a VA examination to determine the current severity of his service-connected left ear hearing loss.