Tinnitus (ringing in the ears) decisions — 2009

The Board denied the Veteran's claims for service connection for bilateral tinnitus and bilateral carpal tunnel syndrome, finding that there was no evidence of in-service noise exposure or other link to service. The VA audiology examination report indicated normal hearing at both ears upon entrance and separation from service.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's current bilateral hearing loss and tinnitus are not related to his military service, as there is no evidence of hearing loss or tinnitus during service or within one year post-service. The Veteran's contentions have been considered but do not meet the burden of proof for establishing service connection.

The Veteran's claims for residuals of a left knee injury, bilateral hearing loss, tinnitus, bilateral pes planus, left hand disability, cold weather injury of both hands, right wrist disability, and right ankle disability were denied as there is no evidence to support the assertions that these conditions are related to active service.

The Board denied the appellant's claims for service connection for bilateral hearing loss, tinnitus, and hypertension. The evidence did not show a current disability or establish a medical nexus between active duty service and these conditions.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's tinnitus and temporomandibular joint syndrome are service-connected, with all reasonable doubt resolved in favor of the Veteran.

The Veteran's claim for a rating in excess of 10 percent for bilateral tinnitus is denied as the law precludes assignment of a higher rating.

The Board has granted service connection for tinnitus and increased the rating for right knee disability. The Veteran's tinnitus is found to be related to in-service noise exposure, while his right knee impairment is rated based on limitation of motion.

The Board has remanded the case for additional development, including obtaining treatment records and verifying service periods. The Veteran's claims of hearing loss, tinnitus, left ear otitis media, and psychiatric disorders are being reviewed.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's current bilateral hearing loss and tinnitus are related to his active service, specifically due to noise exposure during military training. As such, these conditions have been granted as being incurred in or aggravated by service.

The Board has determined that the appellant's claims for service connection for bilateral hearing loss and tinnitus, as well as his claim for nonservice-connected pension benefits, have not been met. The evidence does not establish a preexisting condition in either case, nor is there clear and unmistakable evidence to rebut this presumption of soundness at entry into service.

The Board has remanded the case for additional development, including obtaining service treatment records and scheduling VA examinations.

The Veteran's recurrent tinnitus is found to be related to his active service, while he does not have a current hearing loss disability for VA purposes. The Veteran's Meniere's disease of the right ear is also granted as service connected.

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

The Board denied all claims, including service connection for various conditions and compensation under 38 U.S.C.A. § 1151 due to VA treatment.

The Veteran's claims for service connection for bilateral hearing loss, tinnitus, vertigo, an acquired psychiatric disorder (including PTSD), irritable bowel syndrome (IBS), and a sleep disorder were denied. The Board found that the evidence did not support a finding of in-service onset or aggravation of these conditions.

The Veteran's service-connected disabilities (lumbar spine degenerative joint disease, tinnitus, and depression) are rated at 30 percent combined. The evidence does not show that these conditions preclude him from participating in any regular substantially gainful employment.

The Board has reopened the Veteran's claim of entitlement to service connection for tinnitus and will now review it on its merits.

The Board has remanded the case to the RO for further development, including scheduling a videoconference hearing. The issues of service connection will be considered on a de novo basis if the Veteran attends the scheduled hearing.

The Board found that the Veteran's bilateral hearing loss and tinnitus are not related to his military service, including noise exposure during World War II.