Tinnitus (ringing in the ears) decisions — 2010

The Veteran's appeal includes claims for increased ratings for tinnitus and bilateral hearing loss, as well as a request to reopen his claim for PTSD. The decision on the PTSD issue is mixed, with some issues granted and others not.

The Veteran's bilateral hearing loss and tinnitus are reasonably shown to have had their onset in service, and the Board finds that these conditions are related to his military noise exposure. Therefore, service connection for both conditions is granted.

The Board has remanded the case for a VA audiological evaluation to determine the likely etiology of the Veteran's current hearing loss and tinnitus, taking into account his noise exposure in service.

The Board has remanded the case due to insufficient evidence regarding the etiology of the Veteran's diagnosed bilateral hearing loss and tinnitus, which are believed to be related to military service.

The Board has granted service connection for tinnitus and PTSD, and assigned a 50% evaluation for PTSD. The Veteran's bilateral hearing loss claim is remanded.

The Veteran's appeal for an increased disability evaluation for tinnitus has been withdrawn prior to the Board making a decision.

The Veteran's left ear hearing loss is found to be causally related to service, while his right ear hearing loss does not meet the definition of a VA disability. His bilateral tinnitus was not shown to be causally or etiologically related to service.

The Veteran is found to be unable to obtain and/or maintain substantially gainful employment due to his service-connected disabilities, including PTSD with secondary major depression, bilateral hearing loss, and tinnitus. The Board finds that the criteria for a TDIU are met since March 17, 2008.

The Veteran's claim for TDIU is being remanded due to the need for additional evidence and a VA examination.

The Board has reopened the claim for service connection for a back disability and found that new and material evidence had been presented. The Veteran's scar on left side of his neck was not present in service or for many years thereafter, and is not etiologically related to service. The criteria for a compensable evaluation for an umbilical hernia have not been met.

The Veteran's appeal was denied for a rating in excess of 60 percent for bronchial asthma with bronchiectasis. The VA found that the evidence did not meet the criteria for a higher evaluation.

The Veteran's claims for service connection for diabetes mellitus, peripheral neuropathy of the upper and lower extremities, GERD, bilateral hearing loss, and tinnitus are all denied as there is no evidence that these conditions were incurred or aggravated by his military service.

The Board denied the Veteran's service connection claims for bilateral hearing loss disability and tinnitus, finding that there was no in-service disease or injury related to these conditions. The Veteran's current hearing loss disability is presumed due to his combat exposure during Vietnam War. Tinnitus is not considered a compensable disability under VA criteria.

The Board has determined that there is no current evidence of a right ear hearing loss disability or tinnitus, and the Veteran did not provide sufficient evidence to establish service connection for these conditions.

The Board has determined that new and material evidence was submitted to reopen the Veteran's claim of service connection for tinnitus. The Veteran's tinnitus is found to be incurred in service.

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

The Veteran's claim for a higher rating for his service-connected tinnitus was denied as the evidence did not support an increase in evaluation beyond the current noncompensable rating.

The Veteran's appeal is being remanded for further development, including obtaining his service treatment records and identifying any relevant medical providers.

The Board has remanded the case for additional development, including obtaining medical records and conducting examinations to address the Veteran's claims.

The Board has remanded the Veteran's claims for service connection due to lack of development and consideration, including a need for additional medical examinations.