Tinnitus (ringing in the ears) decisions — 2009

The Board has determined that new and material evidence was submitted to reopen the Veteran's claims for service connection for bilateral hearing loss and tinnitus. However, both conditions were denied as they are not shown to be related to service.

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

The Veteran has a single service-connected disability rated as 100 percent disabling (PTSD) and additional disabilities independently rated at least 60 percent disabling. The Board finds that the Veteran meets the criteria for special monthly compensation under 38 U.S.C.A. § 1114(s)(1).

The Board has remanded the case for further development, including scheduling a VA examination to determine if the veteran now has hearing loss and tinnitus related to service.

The Board finds that the Veteran's current bilateral hearing loss and tinnitus are not related to his military service, as there is no evidence of in-service noise exposure or any other causative factor. The VA examiner concluded that the Veteran's hearing impairment more likely resulted from post-military aging effects or other unknown etiology.

The Veteran's bilateral hearing loss is rated at 20 percent since March 29, 2001. The effective date for service connection of tinnitus has been set to March 29, 2001.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's bilateral hearing loss is related to his active service, and thus grants service connection for this condition.

The Veteran's back disorder, heart disorder (to include hypertension), and tuberculosis were not incurred or aggravated by military service. The Board found that the Veteran's preexisting conditions existed prior to his entry into service and did not undergo a permanent increase in severity during service.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's current bilateral hearing loss and tinnitus did not result from disease or injury during service, despite his exposure to acoustic trauma. The evidence shows that his hearing loss and tinnitus were not first manifest within one year following his separation from service.

The Board has determined that there is reasonable doubt in favor of the Veteran's claim for service connection for tinnitus, granted.

The Board has established service connection for bilateral hearing loss and tinnitus, finding that the Veteran's current symptoms are related to his in-service noise exposure. The claims were remanded due to uncertainty regarding the exact nature of the relationship between service and these conditions.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's current bilateral hearing loss and recurrent tinnitus are not related to his active service, and thus denied both claims for service connection.

The Board has ordered a remand to obtain an updated medical opinion regarding the Veteran's hearing loss and tinnitus, as new evidence suggests these conditions may be related to service.

The Veteran's claims for service connection for tinnitus and bilateral hearing loss have been dismissed due to his death.

The Board has determined that service connection for tinnitus is warranted as the Veteran's symptoms began during active duty and have persisted since then. Service connection for bilateral hearing loss was not addressed in this decision.

The Veteran's appeal is being remanded for additional development, including obtaining VA examination reports and medical opinions to determine the etiology of his bilateral hearing loss and tinnitus.

The Board has determined that the Veteran is not entitled to service connection for hearing loss, tinnitus, or right knee injury. However, the Veteran's residuals of a low back injury are found to be incurred in service.

The Veteran's claimed right shoulder, neck, and low back disorders, as well as hearing loss and tinnitus, are not considered to be related to service. The Board finds that the preponderance of evidence is against these claims.

The Veteran's service connection claims for residuals of a cold weather injury, bilateral hearing loss, and tinnitus have been granted.,Service connection is established for the Veteran's residuals of a cold weather injury to his bilateral upper and lower extremities.

The Board has granted service connection for degenerative disc disease and spinal stenosis of the lumbar spine, which is no longer on appeal. The Veteran's tinnitus and bilateral hearing loss are not related to his active military service.