Tinnitus (ringing in the ears) decisions — 2007

The Board has remanded the veteran's claims for hypertension and bilateral tinnitus due to additional development being required, including a VA medical opinion on whether his current conditions are caused or aggravated by service-connected PTSD and acoustic trauma during active duty.

The Board denied the veteran's claims for service connection for low back strain, bilateral hearing loss, tinnitus, and diabetes mellitus. The July 1976 rating decision denying service connection for low back strain was not challenged on the basis of clear and unmistakable error (CUE).

The Board has determined that new and material evidence has been received to reopen claims of service connection for bilateral hearing loss and tinnitus, thus the claims are reopened. Bilateral hearing loss is linked to service, and so is tinnitus.

The veteran's service-connected bilateral tinnitus is currently rated at 10 percent, which is the maximum rating allowed under Diagnostic Code 6260. The Board found no legal basis for a separate evaluation for each ear and denied the claim.

The veteran's appeal is being remanded for further development of his hearing loss and tinnitus claims, as well as the issue regarding a higher initial rating for his lumbar spine disability. The case will be reviewed again after all requested information and evidence are obtained.

The Board has decided to remand the case for further development, including a VA audiological examination.

The Board has determined that the veteran's bilateral hearing loss and tinnitus were not incurred or aggravated by active military service, and therefore denied both claims.

The veteran withdrew his appeals for increased ratings and separate evaluations for the service-connected conditions listed. The case is dismissed.

The Board found that the veteran's current bilateral hearing loss and tinnitus are not related to his service, including noise exposure. The claim for service connection was denied.

The veteran's appeal for service connection for tinnitus has been dismissed due to his death before a decision could be made.

The Board has determined that the character of the appellant's discharge from service between December 30, 1991 and December 30, 1994 is a bar to VA benefits.

The Board has determined that the veteran's tinnitus is attributable to service, and thus grants service connection for tinnitus.

The Board denied the veteran's claims for service connection for bilateral hearing loss, tinnitus, and bilateral flat feet (pes planus) as there was no competent medical evidence linking these conditions to his military service.

The Board is remanding the claims for tinnitus, low back disorder, hip disorder, leg numbness, and thigh disorder to the RO for further development.

The Board has denied the veteran's claims for earlier effective dates and increased evaluations, finding that there is no dispute as to relevant facts and that the law does not support these claims.

The Board has granted service connection for tinnitus, finding it likely related to the veteran's military service. The hearing loss claim was denied as the audiometric testing did not meet VA criteria for disability.

The veteran's service-connected tinnitus is currently rated at 10 percent, which is the maximum rating available under Diagnostic Code 6260. The claim for a higher evaluation is denied.

The veteran's claim for an increased evaluation for tinnitus has been denied as the maximum schedular rating of 10 percent is already in effect.

The veteran's service-connected disabilities do not meet the eligibility criteria for financial assistance in acquiring an automobile or other conveyance, nor specially adapted housing or a home adaptation grant.

The veteran's service-connected tinnitus is currently rated at the maximum of 10 percent, and there is no legal basis for a separate evaluation for each ear.