Tinnitus (ringing in the ears) decisions — 2007

The veteran's claims for increased ratings for tinnitus and bilateral hearing loss were denied as there is no legal basis to assign a schedular evaluation in excess of the current noncompensable rating.

The veteran is seeking service connection for tinnitus, which he claims developed due to noise exposure during his active duty. However, the available service records are unclear regarding his in-service duties and potential acoustic trauma. The Board has determined that a remand is necessary to clarify this issue.

The veteran's PTSD is rated at 70 percent, the maximum schedular rating available. The RO has also granted TDIU based on his service-connected disabilities.

The veteran's claims for service connection for bilateral hearing loss, tinnitus, hepatitis C, gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD), left knee disorder, and low back disorder have all been denied. The Board found that the evidence did not support a link between these conditions and his military service.

The Board denied service connection for bilateral hearing loss and tinnitus in July 2007. The claim was not reopened, and both conditions were found to be unrelated to service.

The Board has determined that the veteran's current bilateral hearing loss and tinnitus are not related to service, as there is no evidence of a nexus between any in-service disease or injury and his current conditions. As such, service connection for these conditions is denied.

The Board has determined that the veteran does not have a current disability of tinnitus due to service, as there is no evidence linking his current condition to any noise exposure during active duty. The claim for service connection for bilateral tinnitus is denied.

The Board denied the veteran's claim for an increased disability rating for his service-connected tinnitus, finding that a single 10 percent rating is the maximum allowed under current regulations.

The veteran's service-connected bilateral tinnitus is currently rated as 10 percent disabling, which is the maximum rating authorized under Diagnostic Code 6260. There is no legal basis for an evaluation in excess of this rating.

The Board has determined that further development is needed before the claim can be adjudicated, including obtaining medical records and conducting a VA examination to determine if the veteran's hearing loss and tinnitus are related to his service.

The Board has determined that the veteran's tinnitus is service-connected, but his claims for residuals of right ear surgery, sinusitis, and allergic rhinitis are denied as there is no evidence to support a current disability.

The Board has granted service connection for bilateral hearing loss and tinnitus, finding that the veteran engaged in combat with the enemy during his active military service. The evidence supports a link between these conditions and exposure to noise from enemy gunfire during service.

The Board finds that the veteran's left ear hearing loss and tinnitus are service-connected, with the benefit of doubt given to the veteran.

The Board has denied the veteran's claims for service connection for hearing loss and tinnitus, finding that there is no evidence of a nexus between these conditions and his military service.

The Board denied the veteran's claim for service connection for tinnitus, finding that there was no evidence linking his current condition to his military service.

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

The Board has denied the veteran's claims for service connection for bilateral hearing loss and tinnitus, finding that these conditions did not manifest during or are otherwise related to his military service.

The VA denied the veteran's claim for service connection for tinnitus, finding that there was no evidence linking his current condition to military service.

The veteran's claims for service connection for hearing loss, tinnitus, post-operative residuals of surgery for strabismus, thrombocytopenia, and thyroid disorder have all been denied as there is no current evidence of these conditions. The veteran's hepatitis C has also been rated at 30% since October 1, 2000.

The Board denied the veteran's claims for increased evaluations for tinnitus and otitis externa, finding no legal basis for an evaluation in excess of 10 percent for tinnitus and denying a compensable evaluation for otitis externa.