Tinnitus (ringing in the ears) decisions — 2003

The veteran's appeal has been dismissed due to his death.

The Board has ordered further development in the veteran's case due to incomplete records and needs clarification on issues related to tinnitus, COPD, skin disorder, and PTSD.

The Board has granted service connection for bilateral hearing loss and tinnitus, finding that both conditions are related to the veteran's in-service noise exposure. Service connection for bladder cancer is also granted based on the opinion of a private physician who linked the condition to inservice radiation and chemical exposure.

The Board has determined that new and material evidence has been received to reopen the veteran's claim of entitlement to service connection for bilateral hearing loss. The claim is granted.

The Board found that the veteran's right ear hearing loss and carpal tunnel syndrome, left wrist, do not warrant higher disability ratings. The veteran's tinnitus was rated as 10 percent disabling prior to June 10, 2003, but no higher rating is warranted from that date forward. The veteran's right thumb fracture and bilateral Eustachian tube dysfunction are each rated at the minimum of 0 percent. The veteran's post-operative pilonidal cyst, right leg, and torn medial meniscus, right knee, are also rated at the minimum of 10 percent.

The Board denied a compensable rating for the veteran's service-connected bilateral hearing loss and did not address his claim for a higher initial rating for his service-connected bilateral tinnitus.

The Board has determined that the veteran's current bilateral hearing loss and tinnitus are likely due to acoustic trauma in service, granting service connection for these conditions.

The Board denied entitlement to service connection for various conditions, including bilateral hearing loss, tinnitus, and residuals of exposure to ionizing radiation. The veteran's claims were not supported by sufficient evidence or medical opinion.

The Board denied the veteran's claims for service connection for bilateral hearing loss and an increased rating for tinnitus. The veteran was already granted service connection for tinnitus, but the Board found that there is no evidence of current hearing loss or tinnitus meeting VA criteria.

The veteran's claim for vocational rehabilitation training under Chapter 31 was denied because he is qualified for suitable employment but does not obtain or retain such employment for reasons within his control.

The Board has determined that the veteran's bilateral otitis externa was incurred in service and granted service connection for this condition. The issue of entitlement to service connection for tinnitus is pending.

The Board denied the veteran's claims for service connection for defective hearing of the right ear and tinnitus, finding that there was no evidence linking these conditions to his military service.

The Board denied the veteran's claim for an annual clothing allowance as there was no evidence showing that his service-connected disabilities caused him to wear or use a prosthetic appliance that tended to wear out his clothing, or that he used medication due to a service-connected skin condition that irreparably damaged his outergarments.

The veteran's appeal is being remanded for further development and consideration of his claims, including a rating increase for tinnitus and service connection for a psychiatric disorder secondary to tinnitus.

The veteran's claim for service connection for bilateral hearing loss and tinnitus is being remanded due to the need for additional development, including obtaining medical records from VA and private sources.

The veteran's service-connected disabilities do not prevent him from securing and following some type of gainful employment.

The Board has ordered further development in the veteran's case due to pending issues and evidence. The appeal is currently remanded for additional consideration.

The Board has granted service connection for tinnitus and bilateral hearing loss, finding that the veteran's current conditions are related to his military service. The issue of a total rating based on unemployability due to service-connected disability is deferred.

The Board dismissed the veteran's appeal regarding his entitlement to an increased rating for esophageal reflux. The claim was dismissed because no substantive appeal was submitted within the required time frame.

The Board has denied the veteran's claims for a compensable rating for his service-connected bilateral hearing loss and an effective date prior to August 19, 1993, for the grant of service connection for tinnitus. The case is being remanded for further development.