Tinnitus (ringing in the ears) decisions — 2010

The Veteran's service connection claims for bilateral hearing loss and tinnitus have been denied as there is no competent evidence linking these conditions to his military service.

The Veteran's claims for hearing loss and tinnitus are being remanded due to conflicting medical opinions and incomplete records. The VA will seek additional evidence, including private treatment records from Drs. Allman, Manint, and Youngerman.

The Board finds that the Veteran's tinnitus and bilateral hearing loss were not incurred in or aggravated by active military service.

The Veteran's claims for service connection and increased ratings were denied. The Board found no evidence of a current right knee disorder or left knee disability, and thus denied the claims.

The Board found that the Veteran's current hearing loss and tinnitus were not incurred or aggravated by service, as there was no evidence of hearing loss or tinnitus during service. The VA examiner concluded that the current conditions are more likely due to post-service noise exposure.

The Board has granted service connection for tinnitus, finding that the Veteran's consistent statements about experiencing ringing in his ears during and after service are credible. Service connection was denied for bilateral hearing loss due to lack of evidence.

The Board found that the claimant's tinnitus and bilateral hearing loss are not attributable to his National Guard service.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's hearing loss and tinnitus were not incurred or aggravated by service, as there is no evidence of a current disability. The VA examiner concluded it was less likely than not that the Veteran's hearing loss was related to in-service noise exposure.

The Veteran's claims for service connection for bilateral hearing loss, tinnitus, low back disorder, headache disorder, left shoulder disorder, and left knee disorder are being remanded due to the need for additional development of his medical records.

The Veteran's service-connected hearing loss and tinnitus have been rated appropriately, with the highest possible rating for each condition. The Board finds no legal basis to grant a higher rating or separate ratings.

The Veteran's claims of entitlement to service connection for bilateral hearing loss and tinnitus are being remanded due to the need for additional development, including obtaining treatment records and scheduling a VA audiological evaluation.

The Board has denied the Veteran's claims of service connection for bilateral hearing loss, tinnitus, erectile dysfunction, and peripheral neuropathy of the upper and lower extremities due to a lack of evidence linking these conditions to his active military service.

The Board found no competent evidence linking the Veteran's tinnitus to service or symptoms reported since service, and denied his claim for service connection.

The Board has denied the Veteran's claims for service connection for bilateral hearing loss, tinnitus, and residuals right wrist fracture. The claim for skin lesions is REMANDED due to insufficient competent medical evidence.

The Veteran is seeking service connection for tinnitus. The Board has determined that a remand is necessary to obtain an addendum opinion regarding the onset and cause of his tinnitus.

The Veteran's claims for service connection for tinnitus, vertigo, and bilateral hearing loss were denied. The claim for higher ratings for peripheral neuropathy of the upper and lower extremities, as well as diabetes mellitus with erectile dysfunction, diabetic nephropathy, PTSD, and TDIU were also denied.

The appellant's service-connected disabilities, including cold injuries and hearing loss, do not render him unemployable as he is capable of performing sedentary employment.

The Veteran's claim for service connection for bilateral hearing loss and tinnitus is being remanded due to the need for additional development, including a VA examination.

The Board has granted the Veteran's request for a fee basis medical identification card, as he is seeking treatment for service-connected disabilities. The issue of an earlier effective date for TDIU remains pending and will be remanded to the RO.

The Veteran's claims for service connection for bilateral sensorineural hearing loss and tinnitus were denied. The appeal regarding the severance of a separate rating for left ankle arthritis was granted, as it was found to be clearly and unmistakably erroneous. The Veteran's claims for increased ratings for his left ankle fracture residuals and right knee medial meniscus tear were also denied.