Tinnitus (ringing in the ears) decisions — 2010

The Veteran's claim for service connection for tinnitus was granted with an effective date of March 25, 1963.

The Veteran's claim for payment of services provided by Florida Hospital Fish Memorial on June 26, 2007 is being remanded due to the need for further development and consideration.

The Veteran's tinnitus was likely caused by in-service noise exposure and the Board has granted service connection for this condition.

The Veteran's bilateral hearing loss and tinnitus were not incurred or aggravated by active military service, and the Board denied both claims.

The Board has decided to remand the case for additional development, including obtaining VA treatment records and scheduling a VA audiological examination.

The Board found that the Veteran's current bilateral hearing loss and tinnitus are not related to his military service, as there is no competent medical evidence linking these conditions to his time in active duty. The VA examiner concluded that the Veteran's hearing loss may be due to occupational noise exposure and/or the aging process.

The Board found no evidence to support the Veteran's claims of service connection for an acquired psychiatric disability, bilateral hearing loss, tinnitus, and a right leg injury. The preponderance of the evidence is against these claims.

The Veteran's claim for an evaluation in excess of 10 percent for tinnitus is denied as only a single 10 percent rating can be assigned under the applicable VA regulations.

The Board has determined that a remand is necessary to ensure the Veteran receives a complete record and appropriate VA examinations in order to properly adjudicate his claims for service connection for tinnitus and a compensable rating for bilateral hearing loss.

The Board finds that the evidence is at least in equipoise and, therefore, service connection for tinnitus is granted.

The Board found no evidence of hearing loss or tinnitus during service, and denied the Veteran's claims for service connection.

The Board has reopened the Veteran's service connection claim for right ear hearing loss and granted service connection. The Veteran also has been awarded service connection for tinnitus.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's tinnitus originated during his active service and is therefore granted as a result of direct service connection.

The Board has determined that a remand is necessary to obtain an updated VA examination and opinion regarding the Veteran's claims for service connection for bilateral hearing loss and tinnitus.

The Board found that the Veteran's current hearing loss disability and tinnitus were not incurred in or aggravated by his military service, as there was no evidence of a nexus between his service and these conditions.

The Veteran's appeal is being remanded for further development, including a VA examination to determine the extent and etiology of COPD, and an opinion on whether his service-connected disabilities render him unemployable.

The Board has remanded the case for additional development, including obtaining VA medical opinions and Social Security Administration records. The Veteran's service-connected disabilities are PTSD, dysthymia, migraine headaches, bilateral metatarsalgia with callosities, and tinnitus.

The Veteran is granted service connection for bilateral hearing loss and tinnitus, with the latter being attributed to post-service occupational noise exposure. The Board finds that the evidence is in equipoise regarding whether the Veteran's tinnitus was related to his military service.

The Board has decided to remand the case for further development, including obtaining National Guard and Reserve service records.

The appellant has withdrawn his appeal regarding the issues of bilateral hearing loss, tinnitus, and a dental condition. As a result, these issues are dismissed.