Tinnitus (ringing in the ears) decisions — 2009

The VA has determined that there is no evidence of current bilateral hearing loss or tinnitus, and thus cannot grant service connection for these conditions.

The Board found no credible evidence of an in-service stressor for PTSD, and the Veteran does not have bilateral hearing loss disability for VA purposes or tinnitus. Therefore, service connection is denied.

The Board found that the veteran's hearing loss and tinnitus were not incurred in or aggravated by active duty service. The evidence did not establish a link between his current conditions and his military service.

The Veteran's service-connected disabilities do not prevent him from securing or following a substantially gainful occupation, as his other nonservice-connected conditions and work experience make it possible for him to find another means of employment.

The Board has remanded the Veteran's claims for additional development due to incomplete service records and the need for a VA examination.

The Board found that the Veteran's left ear hearing loss and tinnitus were not incurred or aggravated by service, nor could they be presumed to have been incurred due to exposure during service. The right ear hearing loss was currently manifested but did not meet the criteria for a compensable rating.

The Board denied service connection for bilateral hearing loss, tinnitus, and blindness as there was no evidence of a nexus between the disabilities and the Veteran's military service.

The Board has determined that the appellant's tinnitus originated while he was serving on active duty for training and his bilateral hearing loss disability is etiologically related to noise exposure during his active duty for training, thus granting service connection for both conditions.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's claimed left shoulder blade injury, right ear hearing loss, and tinnitus are not service-connected due to lack of evidence showing a chronic condition during or within one year after service.

The Board has granted service connection for bilateral hearing loss disability and remanded the issue of service connection for tinnitus.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's current bilateral hearing loss and tinnitus are causally related to in-service noise exposure, and thus service connection is granted.

The Board denied service connection for various conditions, including benign tumors of the colon, migraines, hearing loss, tinnitus, peripheral neuropathy, psychiatric disorders, and vascular diseases. The appeal was reopened on new evidence.

The Board has decided to remand the case for additional development, including obtaining specific dates of Active Duty for Training (ACDUTRA) and reviewing medical records from this period. The Veteran's claims for service connection for bilateral hearing loss and tinnitus will be reconsidered based on the new evidence.

The Veteran's service-connected tinnitus is already receiving the maximum rating of 10 percent, and a separate rating for each ear is not warranted under current regulations.

The Board denied service connection for hearing loss, tinnitus, and degenerative disc disease of the lumbar spine as these conditions are not shown to be related to military service.

The Board found that the Veteran's bilateral hearing loss and tinnitus are not related to service, but his respiratory disorder (claimed as residuals of asbestos exposure) is related to active duty service.

The Board has determined that the Veteran should be afforded a VA examination to determine if his bilateral hearing loss disability and tinnitus are related to service. The reopened claim for service connection for bilateral hearing loss disability is granted.

The Board has remanded the case for additional development due to missing records and clarification of medical opinions regarding the etiology of the Veteran's hearing loss.

The Board has remanded the Veteran's claims for service connection for bilateral hearing loss and tinnitus due to potential noise exposure during service. The Veteran is required to undergo a VA examination to determine if he currently has hearing loss disability, which may be related to in-service noise exposure.

The Board has remanded the case for additional development, including obtaining VA treatment records and any relevant SSA and private medical records. The Veteran's statements regarding in-service injuries will be considered, along with current diagnoses of his low back, right foot, and tinnitus conditions. Medical opinions will be sought to determine if there is a nexus between these conditions and active duty service.