Tinnitus (ringing in the ears) decisions — 2001

The Board has dismissed the veteran's appeals as they are not timely filed, given the expiration of the time limits to perfect an appeal from certain rating decisions.

The veteran's service-connected disabilities, including bilateral inguinal hernia repair, right great toe hallux valgus repair with arthritic changes, tinnitus, and otitis media with hearing loss, do not preclude him from obtaining or retaining substantially gainful employment that is consistent with his occupational experience. The temporary total rating for convalescence has been granted through November 30, 1993.

The Board denied service connection for Meniere's disease with vertigo, finding no evidence of its onset during or immediately after service. Service connection was granted for hearing loss, presumed due to noise exposure in service, and denied for tinnitus.,The veteran had a preexisting hearing loss that worsened over time, consistent with the natural progression of progressive Meniere's disease.

The veteran's claims for increased ratings for his knee disabilities and entitlement to TDIU are denied. The RO must review these claims again after considering the additional evidence submitted by the veteran.

The Board granted service connection for tinnitus of the right ear, finding it secondary to hearing loss. The effective date is October 24, 2005.

The veteran's service-connected disabilities do not render him unemployable, as they combine to a 60 percent evaluation and his nonservice-connected conditions also contribute.

The Board has granted service connection for bilateral hearing loss and tinnitus, finding that the veteran's current disabilities are related to his noise exposure during active duty. Service connection was denied for residuals of circumcision due to lack of a current disability.

The Board has determined that the veteran's service-connected left tympanic membrane perforation does not warrant a compensable evaluation, and his tinnitus and left ear hearing loss are found to be related to his military service. Service connection for these conditions is granted.

The veteran's claims for service connection for residuals of bilateral burst eardrums and bilateral tinnitus are being remanded due to the need for additional development, including a VA examination.

The veteran's right ear hearing loss was first manifested during service and is considered incurred therein. The claims for left ear hearing loss, tinnitus, and residual trauma to the glans penis are addressed in this decision.

The veteran's appeal is being remanded due to the need for additional development, including medical examinations and compliance with the Veterans Claims Assistance Act of 2000.

The veteran's appeal of the effective dates and ratings for tinnitus, duodenal ulcer, and PTSD has been withdrawn.

The veteran's appeal is being remanded for additional development, including VA examinations to determine the etiology of his claimed conditions and whether they are related to service.

The Board denied the veteran's claims for service connection for hearing loss in his right ear, bilateral upper leg ligament injuries with secondary weakness, and tinnitus due to lack of evidence showing current disabilities or aggravation during service.

The Board has determined that the veteran's bilateral hearing loss and tinnitus are related to his post-service occupational noise exposure, and service connection is granted for these conditions.

The veteran's bilateral hearing loss and tinnitus were granted effective from August 21, 1975. The original claim for service connection was received within one year of separation from active duty.

The Board has granted service connection for bilateral hearing loss and tinnitus, finding that the veteran's current conditions are related to his in-service exposure to loud noises, such as artillery fire.

The Board has granted the appellant's claim of entitlement to service connection for hearing loss and tinnitus, finding that it was incurred during his period of active duty.

The Board found that the veteran's failure to notify VA of her reentry into active duty contributed to the creation of the overpayment. Recovery was denied as it would not be against equity and good conscience.

The Board has determined that the claims for service connection are not well grounded and requires additional development to determine if there is evidence of a current disability related to military service.