Tinnitus (ringing in the ears) decisions — 2008

The Board has determined that the veteran's claims for earlier effective dates for service connection of tinnitus and right ear hearing loss are denied as there is no indication in the record that he intended to reopen or file a new claim prior to July 20, 2004.

The veteran's appeal for a higher rating for his service-connected tinnitus has been dismissed as the appellant requested withdrawal of the appeal.

The veteran's claim for separate 10 percent evaluations for bilateral tinnitus is denied as there is no legal basis to award such ratings given the maximum schedular rating of 10 percent has been assigned.

The Board denied service connection for bilateral hearing loss and tinnitus, finding that the veteran's current conditions are not related to his military service.

The Board denied service connection for various conditions, including skin disorders, migraines, hypertension, eye disorders, neuropathy, tinnitus, temporomandibular joint disorder, and hyperlipidemia, all allegedly due to exposure to Agent Orange. The veteran's PTSD claim was granted with a 30% rating effective February 2, 2004.

The Board found no evidence of a chronic disability manifested by right ear pressure, sensitivity, and tinnitus during active service or within the first post-service year. The veteran's claim for service connection was denied.

The veteran's claim for a total disability rating based on individual unemployability due to service-connected disabilities is being remanded for additional development, including obtaining VA treatment records and an employment opinion.

The veteran's appeal is being remanded due to scheduling issues for a Travel Board hearing. The claims of service connection and reopening are pending.

The veteran's appeals for earlier effective dates and ratings have been dismissed due to the lack of timely substantive appeal.

The Board has determined that the veteran's left ear tinnitus is related to service, but his right ear tinnitus is not. The claim for right ear tinnitus was denied.

The veteran's TDIU rating was granted effective June 1, 2004 based on the increase in severity of his service-connected conditions and to resolve reasonable doubt in his favor.

The veteran's claims for service connection were denied. The appeals for the initial disability ratings for bilateral hearing loss and tinnitus are also denied as there is no legal basis to assign a higher rating.

The veteran's appeal is being remanded for further action, including scheduling a hearing before the Board of Veterans' Appeals.

The Board has determined that the veteran's bilateral hearing loss and tinnitus are not related to his active duty service, and thus denied both claims.

The veteran's appeal for a higher evaluation for tinnitus was denied as there is no legal basis to award a separate schedular evaluation for each ear.

The veteran's claim for service connection for bilateral hearing loss and tinnitus is being remanded due to the need for a VA examination.

The veteran's appeal for increased disability evaluations for tinnitus and left ear sensorineural hearing loss was denied as there is no legal basis to assign a higher rating under the applicable VA regulations.

The Board has granted the veteran's claims of entitlement to service connection for hearing loss and tinnitus, finding that these conditions are related to his military noise exposure.

The Board has determined that the evidence is in equipoise as to whether the veteran's bilateral hearing loss was related to noise exposure during his military service, and thus grants the claim for service connection.

The Board has remanded the veteran's claims for bilateral hearing loss and tinnitus due to additional development being required.