Tinnitus (ringing in the ears) decisions — 2009

The Board has determined that the Veteran's tinnitus, bronchitis, and gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) are all service-connected. The decision grants these claims.

The Board has denied the Veteran's petitions to reopen his claims of service connection for bilateral hearing loss, bilateral tinnitus, and sebaceous cysts. The evidence does not relate these conditions to active service.

The Board has determined that the appellant's bilateral hearing loss disability does not warrant a compensable evaluation, and service connection for tinnitus is granted.

The Veteran's claims for bilateral hearing loss and tinnitus were denied as the evidence did not support a finding that these conditions are related to service.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's bilateral hearing loss does not warrant a compensable evaluation under the applicable rating criteria.

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

The Board has determined that the Veteran's timely substantive appeals were filed for his claims of service connection for bilateral hearing loss and tinnitus, which were denied in an August 2003 rating decision. The appeal is granted on this basis.

The Board has denied the Veteran's claims for service connection for prostate cancer, tinnitus, and a brain tumor. The claim of new and material evidence for a brain tumor was also denied.

The Veteran's service-connected disabilities (tinnitus, major depressive disorder, and bilateral hearing loss) have rendered him unable to secure or follow a substantially gainful occupation since his last employment in 1985.

The Veteran's claim for service connection for bilateral tinnitus and a compensable disability rating for bilateral hearing loss is denied. The Board found that the evidence did not support a finding of a nexus between the Veteran's current tinnitus or hearing loss and his military service.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's bilateral hearing loss and tinnitus are not related to his active duty service, but have been granted as direct service connection based on evidence of record.

The Veteran's right knee disability, post-total knee replacement, is currently rated at 60 percent due to severe pain and weakness. The claim for bilateral hearing loss and tinnitus has been remanded.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's hearing loss and tinnitus are causally related to his active duty service, thus granting service connection for both conditions.

The Veteran's claims for service connection for tinnitus, depression and anxiety, and headaches are being remanded as the medical evidence is insufficient to make a determination.

The Board has determined that new and material evidence has not been received to reopen claims for service connection for skin disability, bilateral eye disability, bilateral hearing loss, tinnitus, or psychiatric disability (PTSD).

The Veteran's claims for PTSD, bilateral hearing loss disability, and tinnitus were denied as there was no credible evidence of in-service stressors or exposure to hazardous environments. The Board found that the Veteran did not engage in combat with the enemy during service.

The Veteran's claims for service connection for right ear hearing loss, left ear hearing loss, and tinnitus are being remanded due to the need for additional development including obtaining VA treatment records and an examination.

The Veteran's appeal is remanded for additional development, including obtaining medical records and providing the Veteran with appropriate VA examinations to determine the nature and etiology of his claimed conditions.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's tinnitus is etiologically related to his military service, and he is granted service connection for this condition. The low back disability was not incurred in service, and thus service connection is denied. The right knee disability is also not proximately due to or aggravated by a service-connected disorder.

The Veteran's claim for increased ratings for bilateral hearing loss and tinnitus was denied. The Board found that the evidence did not meet the criteria for a higher rating.