Tinnitus (ringing in the ears) decisions — 2010

The Board has determined that the Veteran's service-connected anxiety reaction with PTSD, bilateral hearing loss, and tinnitus contributed to his death from right hip fracture and congestive heart failure.

The Board has determined that additional development is necessary before a decision can be made on the merits of the Veteran's claims.

The Board found that the Veteran's right ear hearing loss and tinnitus were not incurred in or aggravated by his service, and denied these claims. The Board also noted that left ear hearing loss was not demonstrated during any period of service.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's current bilateral hearing loss and tinnitus were not incurred in or aggravated by his military service. The evidence does not show a continuity of symptoms since service, nor is there any medical opinion linking these conditions to his time in active duty.

The Board denied the Veteran's claims of entitlement to service connection for tinnitus and a bilateral foot disorder, finding that there was no competent medical evidence linking these conditions to his military service.

The Board has remanded the case for further development due to inadequate VA medical examination and consideration of new evidence.

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

The Board found that the Veteran's current tinnitus is not related to his military service and denied his claim for service connection.

The Veteran's appeal was dismissed due to his withdrawal of the increased rating for tinnitus. The claims for service connection and disability ratings were denied, as well as the extension of special monthly compensation.

The Veteran's service-connected disabilities do not render her helpless as to be in need of the regular aid and attendance of another person, nor does she meet the criteria for housebound status.

The Board has determined that the Veteran does not have PTSD, and his bilateral hearing loss disability is not shown to be related to service. The claims for service connection are therefore denied.

The Veteran's appeal is being remanded for further examination and analysis to determine if his service-connected disabilities render him unemployable.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's bilateral hearing loss and tinnitus are related to his military service, with some portion of the hearing loss likely due to noise exposure during service. Service connection is granted for these conditions.

The Board has determined that new and material evidence has not been received to reopen the Veteran's claims for bilateral hearing loss disability and tinnitus, which were previously denied in December 2003.

The Board denied service connection for a bilateral hearing loss disability and tinnitus, finding that the Veteran's pre-existing conditions did not increase in severity during service.

The Veteran's appeal is remanded for additional development, including obtaining VA treatment records and Social Security Administration (SSA) disability benefits records. The RO will then review the claim and readjudicate it.

The Board has determined that additional development is necessary to properly adjudicate the Veteran's claims, including obtaining service records and medical records, as well as scheduling VA examinations.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's tinnitus is related to his in-service noise exposure and granted service connection for this condition.

The Veteran's claim for service connection for tinnitus and diabetes mellitus was denied as there is no evidence of in-service noise exposure or Agent Orange exposure, respectively. The Board found that the Veteran did not have current disabilities related to these conditions.

The Veteran's service-connected disabilities, while significant, do not prevent him from securing and following substantially gainful employment in a sedentary capacity.