Tinnitus (ringing in the ears) decisions — 2003

The Board has ordered further development due to the need for an audiology examination to determine if the veteran's hearing loss and tinnitus are related to his military service. The case is now remanded back to the RO for this purpose.

The veteran's statutory period of eligibility for vocational rehabilitation under chapter 31 has expired, and the criteria for extension of that period are not met.

The veteran's service-connected bilateral hearing loss, otitis media (left ear), and tinnitus are currently rated at 10 percent each. The RO has granted increased disability ratings for these conditions.

The Board found that the veteran's right ear hearing loss is service-connected due to noise exposure. Tinnitus was also service-connected based on history of noise exposure and ear infections. However, there is no evidence linking a lung disorder to asbestos exposure in service or post-service, thus denying service connection for this condition.

The veteran's appeal for two separate 10% ratings for tinnitus was denied as only a single 10% rating is authorized by law.

The Board has determined that the veteran's bilateral hearing loss and tinnitus were not incurred in or aggravated by active service.

The Board has determined that the veteran does not have current diagnoses for any of the claimed conditions and therefore, service connection cannot be granted. The claims were denied.

The VA determined that the veteran does not currently experience tinnitus and therefore denied his claim for service connection.

The Board has determined that the veteran's current bilateral hearing loss and tinnitus are at least as likely as not related to noise exposure during active military service, granting service connection for both conditions.

The Board denied service connection for right ear hearing loss and tinnitus, finding no current disability in either condition that would warrant compensation. The evidence did not support a link to service.

The Board has granted service connection for bilateral hearing loss and tinnitus, finding that the appellant was exposed to acoustic trauma during service and that his current hearing loss disability is related to this exposure. The Board also found that his tinnitus is secondary to his service-connected hearing loss.

The veteran's bilateral hearing loss and tinnitus are found to be due to service exposure, meeting the criteria for service connection.

The Board denied the veteran's claims for increased ratings for tinnitus, bilateral hearing loss, and cephalgia. The veteran was granted service connection for these conditions but his initial evaluations were found to be inadequate.

The veteran's service-connected disabilities, which include loss of vision due to ocular histoplasmosis and tinnitus, are severe enough to prevent him from engaging in substantially gainful employment.

The veteran's claims for increased ratings and evaluations were denied. The Board found that the criteria for an evaluation in excess of 10 percent for tinnitus have not been met, as his bilateral tinnitus did not manifest with an exceptional or unusual disability picture to include marked interference with employment or frequent periods of hospitalization.

The Board found that the June 1980 rating decision denying service connection for tinnitus was not clearly and unmistakably erroneous. The veteran's claim for increased rating of cervical degenerative disc disease and TDIU is remanded for further development.

The Board has dismissed the veteran's appeal as he withdrew his claims for service connection for a neck disability and tinnitus.

The Board has remanded the case due to additional development of evidence and will consider the claims for service connection for hearing loss and tinnitus in light of new evidence.

The Board has granted service connection for a low back disorder, but denied service connection for bilateral hearing loss and tinnitus.

The Board has reopened the veteran's claim for service connection for hearing loss and remanded both the hearing loss and tinnitus claims to allow further development.