Tinnitus (ringing in the ears) decisions — 2006

The veteran's claim for an initial evaluation in excess of 10 percent for tinnitus was denied. The Board found that the RO properly reduced his disability compensation award based on changes in his marital status.

The veteran's claims of CUE in the February 1984 and September 1999 rating decisions have been denied. The February 1984 decision granted service connection for residuals of craniotomy with a 10 percent evaluation, while the September 1999 decision separated his single service-connected status-post craniotomy disability into four separate entities (loss of skull, headaches, tinnitus, and forehead scar) and assigned an effective date of August 31, 1993.

The Board has determined that further development is necessary before the case can be adjudicated, including obtaining medical records from a previous employer and providing notice of the VCAA requirements.

The Board has determined that the veteran does not have a current disability for which service connection can be granted, specifically bilateral hearing loss and tinnitus. The dental injury claim is pending as additional evidence and examination are needed to determine if it was aggravated by service.

The Board has denied the veteran's claims for service connection for a low back disorder and an increased rating for his left knee disorder. The veteran is not entitled to service connection for these conditions, as there is no evidence linking them to his active duty service. For the left knee disorder, the Board found that the current 10% evaluation adequately compensates him for his symptoms.

The Board found that the preponderance of the evidence is against the claim, as there were no complaints of tinnitus in service and it began many years after separation from service. The VA examiner stated that it appeared likely that non-military noise exposure played a significant role in the veteran's current tinnitus and hearing loss complaints.

The veteran's service-connected disabilities render him unable to secure or follow a substantially gainful occupation, and the Board has granted a total disability rating based on individual unemployability.

The Board found that the veteran's claimed conditions, including bilateral hearing loss, tinnitus, headaches, sinusitis, and respiratory disability, were not incurred or aggravated by service. The VA examiners concluded that these conditions are not related to his military noise exposure.

The Board has determined that the veteran's bilateral hearing loss and tinnitus were not incurred or aggravated by his active service, nor are they related to any period of service. The evidence does not support a finding that these conditions began during service or within one year thereafter.

The Board has determined that the veteran's bilateral hearing loss and tinnitus are not related to his military service, as there is no evidence of hearing loss during service or within the presumptive period following discharge. The VA examiner concluded that the current hearing loss is not likely due to the veteran's military service.

The Board has determined that the veteran's bilateral hearing loss and tinnitus are related to service exposure, resulting in a grant of service connection for both conditions.

The Board has denied all the veteran's claims for service connection, finding no current diagnoses or evidence of chronic conditions related to his military service.

The Board found that the veteran's service-connected disabilities do not render him permanently bedridden or housebound, thus denying his claim for special monthly compensation.

The Board found that the veteran's claimed conditions of bilateral hearing loss, tinnitus, and perforated eardrum were not incurred or aggravated by service. The VA audiological examinations did not show any current disabilities related to these claims.

The Board has decided to remand the case for further development, including VA examinations and proper VCAA notice.

The veteran's hearing loss and tinnitus were not incurred or aggravated by service, as there is no evidence of these conditions during his military service. The VA examiner concluded that the current hearing loss and tinnitus are more likely due to genetic and environmental factors post-service.

The veteran's appeal is being remanded to the RO for a Travel Board hearing at the Waco, Texas Regional Office.

The Board has determined that the veteran's bilateral hearing loss and tinnitus do not warrant an increased rating beyond the current 10% evaluation.

The veteran has withdrawn his appeals for hearing loss, tinnitus, and hepatitis C.

The Board denied service connection for bilateral hearing loss, bilateral tinnitus, residuals of a cervical spine fracture, and obstructive sleep apnea (claimed as a sleep disorder).