Tinnitus (ringing in the ears) decisions — 2008

The veteran's claim for an increased evaluation in excess of 10 percent for his service-connected tinnitus has been denied as there is no legal basis to award separate schedular evaluations for tinnitus in each ear.

The Board has remanded the veteran's claims for increased ratings and service connection due to incomplete development of evidence, including a need for additional medical examinations.

The Board has remanded the case due to insufficient evidence regarding service connection for tinnitus, specifically whether it is related to a service-connected condition or if it was caused by noise exposure during active duty.

The veteran's claim for a higher rating for tinnitus was denied as the condition is already rated at its maximum under the applicable VA Rating Schedule.

The Board has determined that there was clear and unmistakable error in the February 2001 rating decision, which established an effective date of September 1, 2000 for tinnitus. The veteran's service records confirm exposure to loud noise as an aircraft mechanic, and his March 1971 VA examination report constitutes an informal claim for service connection. Therefore, the Board has granted an effective date of November 18, 1970 for the grant of service connection for tinnitus.

The Board has reopened the claim for service connection for residuals of a back injury and granted it. The veteran's current thoracic spine disability is found to be etiologically related to an in-service injury.

The Board has denied the veteran's claims for service connection for bilateral hearing loss, tinnitus, and a left knee disorder due to lack of evidence linking these conditions to his military service.

The veteran's appeal is being remanded for additional development of his claims, including obtaining medical records from Dr. Chambers and the Social Security Administration.

The Board has granted service connection for tinnitus and awarded a 10 percent initial rating for the veteran's left knee injury, status post meniscectomy.

The Board has determined that the veteran's hearing loss in his left ear is service-connected, but not in his right ear. The tinnitus is also found to be related to his hearing loss.

The Board denied the veteran's claim for service connection for the cause of his death, finding that his fatal motor vehicle accident was not related to his active duty service or any of his service-connected disabilities.

The Board has determined that additional development is needed to decide the claim of service connection for tinnitus, including considering whether it is related to service-connected hearing loss.

The veteran's service-connected bilateral hearing loss and tinnitus are found to be related to his military service.

The Board has ordered additional development due to incomplete records and the need for further medical examinations.

The Board has determined that the veteran's bilateral hearing loss and tinnitus are at least as likely as not due to exposure to acoustic trauma during his National Guard duty in February 1964. Therefore, service connection for these conditions is granted.

The veteran's appeal is being remanded to the RO for a video conference hearing due to his inability to attend the scheduled Travel Board hearing.

The Board has granted service connection for bilateral hearing loss, but denied service connection for tinnitus.

The Board has determined that the veteran's tinnitus did not manifest during service and is not related to any in-service noise exposure, thus denying his claim for service connection.

The veteran is seeking service connection for bilateral hearing loss, tinnitus, and a left hip disability. The Board finds that comprehensive medical examinations are needed to determine the nature and etiology of these conditions, as well as whether they are related to his military service or secondary to his service-connected left foot disability.

The Board denied the veteran's claim for service connection for tinnitus, finding that it was not present during or within a year after service and did not develop as a result of any incident during service.