Tinnitus (ringing in the ears) decisions — 2007

The Board has remanded the case for additional development, including obtaining military-retiree records and scheduling an audiological examination to determine the existence and etiology of any hearing loss and tinnitus.

The veteran's tinnitus is currently rated at 10 percent, the maximum rating authorized under Diagnostic Code 6260. The Board finds that his disability more closely resembles the criteria for a higher evaluation based on recurrent episodes of tinnitus.

The Board finds that the veteran's right ear hearing disability and tinnitus are likely due to exposure to acoustic trauma during service, granting service connection for these conditions.

The Board finds that the veteran's bilateral hearing loss and tinnitus are related to service, as evidenced by credible testimony regarding inservice acoustic trauma and documented tinnitus and hearing loss meeting VA criteria. As a result, service connection for both conditions is granted.

The veteran's claim for separate compensable ratings for tinnitus in each ear is denied as there is no legal basis to award such ratings given the maximum allowable rating of 10 percent has been assigned.

The Board has determined that the veteran's bilateral hearing loss and tinnitus were not incurred in or aggravated by active military service, as there is no medical evidence linking these conditions to his time in service. The preponderance of the evidence does not support a finding of service connection.

The Board has granted the veteran's claims for service connection for bilateral hearing loss and tinnitus, finding that there is sufficient evidence to support these conditions as being related to his military service. The decision also notes that the veteran had high frequency sensorineural hearing loss at the time of his discharge from the military.

The Board has determined that the evidence is in equipoise as to whether the veteran's bilateral hearing loss and tinnitus are related to his military service, specifically noise exposure aboard an aircraft carrier. As a result, the claims for service connection have been granted.

The Board granted service connection for tinnitus and a right knee disability, effective June 4, 2003. The veteran's claim to reopen the previously denied claims was received on that date.

The veteran's service-connected bilateral hearing loss and tinnitus do not prevent him from securing or following a substantially gainful occupation.

The Board denied an earlier effective date for the award of TDIU, finding that entitlement was not shown based on available record any sooner than April 24, 2001.

Service connection was denied for hearing loss, tinnitus, bilateral foot calluses and bone spurs, and residuals of a broken left arm as there is no medical evidence linking these conditions to service or any incident therein.

The veteran's asbestosis is rated at 60 percent disabling from May 3, 2006. The Board found that the veteran's subjective complaints of shortness of breath and progressive dyspnea warranted a 30 percent rating prior to May 3, 2006, and a 60 percent rating thereafter.

The veteran's tinnitus was incurred in service due to exposure to aircraft engine noise during his active duty, and the Board granted service connection for this condition.

The Board denied the veteran's claims for service connection for residuals of injuries to his ears, eyes, and back. The evidence did not show any current disabilities related to these conditions.

The veteran's claims for increased ratings for PTSD, bilateral hearing loss, and tinnitus were denied. The claim for a total rating based on individual unemployability was also denied.

The Board has granted service connection for tinnitus, finding that it is at least as likely as not related to the veteran's service-connected PTSD. Service connection for hepatitis was denied due to lack of evidence showing a current disability.

The veteran's appeal has been withdrawn, and the case is dismissed.

The veteran's claims for increased ratings and service connection were denied. The VA found that the veteran does not have a current bilateral hearing loss disability for VA compensation purposes, and his tinnitus is rated at its maximum allowable under VA regulations.

The Board has determined that the veteran's hearing loss and tinnitus are likely attributable to his active military service, including exposure to noise during combat operations in Vietnam. As such, the claims for service connection have been granted.