Tinnitus (ringing in the ears) decisions — 2010

The Board has determined that the appellant does not have a current disability of bilateral hearing loss or tinnitus that is related to service. The VA examiner found no evidence of diagnosis or treatment for these conditions until after service, and concluded that it was less likely as not that they are due to military service.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's claimed bilateral hearing loss and tinnitus are not related to his military service, as there is no evidence of in-service noise exposure or a current disability. The claims for service connection have been denied.

The Veteran's request for service connection for tinnitus has been remanded due to the need for a Board videoconference hearing.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's current bilateral hearing loss and tinnitus are likely due to exposure to acoustic trauma during his active service, and thus grants service connection for these conditions.

The Board found that the Veteran's hearing loss was not incurred in or aggravated by active service and denied his claim for service connection.

The Board has determined that the Veteran does not have hearing loss or tinnitus that is attributable to his active military service. The VA audiologist concluded that the Veteran's current hearing loss and tinnitus are more likely due to post-service occupational and recreational noise exposure.

The Board found that the Veteran's hearing loss and tinnitus are not related to his active service, as there is no evidence of such conditions during or immediately after service. The Board concluded that it was less likely than not that these disabilities were caused by noise exposure in service.

The Veteran's appeal is being remanded due to the need for a VA examination to determine if he has hearing loss and tinnitus related to his in-service noise exposure. The claims will be re-adjudicated after this.

The Veteran's claimed conditions, including bilateral hearing loss and tinnitus, were not incurred in or aggravated by active service. Service connection is denied.

The Board has determined that it is at least as likely as not that the Veteran incurred bilateral hearing loss and tinnitus in service, granting the claims for these conditions.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's claimed bilateral hearing loss and tinnitus did not occur during service or are related to service, thus denying both claims.

The Board has determined that service connection for bilateral hearing loss disability is denied, but has granted service connection for tinnitus.

The Veteran's claims for an increased rating for tinnitus and bilateral hearing loss have been denied as the current ratings are deemed to be the maximum allowable under VA regulations.

The Veteran's claims for service connection were denied. The claim to reopen the low back and leg pain condition was not granted due to lack of new and material evidence. Service connection for right ear hearing loss, tinnitus, and diabetes mellitus (claimed as due to herbicide exposure) were also denied.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's claims for service connection were not substantiated and have been denied. The decision does not provide a specific evaluation or effective date.

The Veteran's tinnitus is not related to active service. The criteria for an initial rating greater than 70 percent for PTSD with major depressive disorder have not been met, and the criteria for an initial compensable rating for bilateral hearing loss have not been met.

The Board has remanded the case for additional development due to incomplete records and further review.

The Board found that the Veteran's tinnitus and left ear hearing loss were not incurred or aggravated by service. The evidence did not support a finding of in-service noise exposure, and there was no medical opinion linking the current conditions to service.

The Board has determined that new and material evidence has not been received to reopen the Veteran's claims of service connection for bilateral hearing loss and tinnitus. The evidence submitted does not relate these conditions to his military service.

The Veteran's appeal is remanded due to the need for additional VA examinations and treatment records, as well as a VR&E folder. The claim will be readjudicated based on all evidence.