Tinnitus (ringing in the ears) decisions — 2010

The Veteran's acne, tinnitus, and bilateral hearing loss were all found to be service-connected. Acne was aggravated by service, tinnitus first manifested during service, and the Veteran has a current diagnosis of bilateral hearing loss.

The Veteran's claims for PTSD, tinnitus, hypertension, and dental trauma were denied as there is insufficient evidence to support the diagnoses or a causal relationship between the conditions and service.

The Veteran's appeal is being remanded for additional development of his claims, including obtaining relevant medical records and conducting VA examinations to determine the nature and etiology of his claimed disabilities.

The Veteran's tinnitus is found to have originated during service, and the Board grants service connection for this condition.

The Veteran's appeal for higher disability evaluations was denied. His tinnitus and bilateral hearing loss were rated at the maximum allowable under VA regulations, while his acquired psychiatric disorder did not meet the criteria for a higher rating.

The Board found that the Veteran's service-connected PTSD did not substantially and materially contribute to his death from myocardial infarction. The medical opinions were inconclusive, with some suggesting a possible link but others finding it speculative.

The Board denied the Veteran's claims for extraschedular ratings for tinnitus and bilateral hearing loss, as well as his claim for a TDIU. The evidence did not show that these conditions rendered the regular schedular standards impractical due to marked interference with employment or frequent periods of hospitalization.

The Board has remanded the case for additional development due to a lack of sufficient medical evidence regarding the relationship between the Veteran's hearing loss and tinnitus and his service.

The Veteran's appeals for increased ratings for tinnitus, hemicrania continua, and bilateral hearing loss disability were denied. The Board found that the assigned schedular ratings adequately reflected the severity of his disabilities.

The Veteran's claims for hearing loss, tinnitus, and a right ankle disability are being remanded due to the need for additional examinations and analysis.

The Board finds that the Veteran's bilateral hearing loss and tinnitus are at least as likely as not related to his military service, with evidence of in-service noise exposure. The decision grants service connection for both conditions.

The Veteran's appeal is being remanded to obtain VA treatment records and a more detailed examination of his left knee. The issues on appeal will be reconsidered after the additional development.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's bilateral hearing loss and tinnitus are likely related to his service, with reasonable doubt resolved in favor of the Veteran.

The Veteran's tinnitus is found to be incurred in service, and his diabetes mellitus was awarded effective January 12, 2005. The Board denied the claim for bilateral hearing loss due to lack of evidence of a current disability.

The Veteran's tinnitus, left ear hearing loss, and right ear hearing loss were not incurred or aggravated by service. The Board found that the Veteran's preexisting right ear hearing loss did not increase in severity during service.

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

The Board found that the Veteran's tinnitus was not incurred in or aggravated by service and denied his claim for service connection. The heart disability issue is remanded as there are insufficient medical opinions regarding its etiology.

The Veteran's claims are being remanded due to the need for additional development, including a VA examination and consideration of new evidence.

The Board has granted service connection for tinnitus and denied the claim for an initial compensable disability rating for bilateral hearing loss. The Veteran's Meniere's disease appeal is being remanded.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's current bilateral hearing loss and tinnitus are causally related to his military service, granting service connection for these conditions.