Tinnitus (ringing in the ears) decisions — 2007

The veteran withdrew his appeals for increased ratings of mitral valve prolapse and bilateral tinnitus.

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

The veteran's claim for an increased evaluation for tinnitus, to include separate evaluations for each ear, is denied as the maximum schedular rating of 10 percent has been assigned.

The Board has determined that the veteran does not have a current diagnosis of peripheral neuropathy of the right hand and therefore cannot establish service connection for this condition. The claims for initial compensable evaluations for hemorrhoids and bilateral hearing loss, as well as service connection for tinnitus, are being remanded to complete the appeal process.

The Board denied the veteran's claims for service connection for bilateral hearing loss and tinnitus, finding that there was no evidence linking these conditions to his active duty service.

The Board found that the April 2000 rating decision denying service connection for tinnitus was not based on clear and unmistakable error, as there were no errors in the facts or application of law at the time.

The Board has remanded the case due to insufficient evidence regarding whether the veteran's tinnitus is related to his military service.

The veteran's tinnitus and left ear hearing loss are currently evaluated at the maximum schedular ratings, with no legal basis for separate evaluations or higher ratings.

The veteran's claims for service connection for bilateral hearing loss and tinnitus are being remanded due to incomplete service records and the need for a VA examination.

The veteran's claim for a rating in excess of 10 percent for chronic bronchitis is denied, and his TDIU claim is also denied as he does not meet the criteria for unemployability due to service-connected disabilities.

The Board has determined that the veteran's bilateral hearing loss and tinnitus are not related to service, as there is no evidence of onset during service or within one year post-service. The VA examiner concluded that the current hearing loss is more likely due to occupational noise exposure and aging, while the tinnitus is unrelated to acoustic trauma suffered in service.

The veteran's appeal is being remanded due to the need for additional development, including obtaining SSA records and scheduling a VA audiological examination.

The veteran's appeal is being remanded for additional development of his claims, including obtaining medical records and scheduling examinations to determine the etiology of various conditions.

The Board has remanded the case due to incomplete records and need for additional development, including obtaining service medical records and personnel records. The veteran's claims will be reconsidered based on all evidence of record.

The Board found that the veteran is not entitled to an effective date earlier than January 14, 2004 for the grant of service connection for tinnitus due to lack of evidence of a prior claim or medical treatment before this date.

The Board has determined that the veteran does not have hearing loss or tinnitus that is related to his military service and therefore denied both claims.

The Board has remanded the case for additional development due to inconsistencies in the February 2005 VA examination report and a lack of relevant hearing test records.

The Board denied the veteran's claims for service connection for tinnitus and an increased rating for his shrapnel injury to the left shoulder, finding no evidence of current disability or a link between in-service exposure and present symptoms.

The Board finds that the evidence is in equipoise as to whether the veteran's tinnitus began during active service, and therefore grants entitlement to service connection for tinnitus.

The Board has granted service connection for bilateral hearing loss and tinnitus, effective April 30, 2004. The veteran's claim for earlier effective dates is denied.