Tinnitus (ringing in the ears) decisions — 2010

The Veteran's claims for service connection for bilateral hearing loss, tinnitus, and residuals of a claimed ear injury are being remanded due to the unavailability of his service treatment records. A VA examination is needed to determine the current nature and likely etiology of any hearing loss, tinnitus, and other ear disease or injury.

The Board has remanded the case due to the Veteran's request for a hearing before a Veterans Law Judge at the RO. The appeal is not ready for further action.

The Board has determined that new and material evidence has been submitted to reopen the Veteran's claims for service connection for bilateral hearing loss and tinnitus. Resolving all doubt in favor of the Veteran, the criteria for service connection have been met.

The Veteran's appeal has been withdrawn, and the case is dismissed.

The Board has determined that new and material evidence has not been received to reopen the Veteran's claims for service connection for tinnitus, bilateral hearing loss, and a lumbar spine disorder. The RO's final decisions in February 1989 and October 1991 are considered final based on the evidence then of record.

The Veteran's claims for an earlier effective date for bilateral hearing loss, a compensable rating for residuals of right cheekbone fracture, and service connection for various conditions have been denied. The Board found that the evidence did not meet the criteria for an earlier effective date prior to June 13, 2003, as no claim was filed before this date. The Veteran's other claims were also denied.

The Board finds that the Veteran's tinnitus is not related to his military service and denies the claim. The Board also notes that there is insufficient evidence to determine whether the increase in right ear hearing loss between January 1964 and July 1966 constitutes aggravation of a pre-existing condition, thus denying the issue of service connection for right ear hearing loss.

The Veteran's appeal is being remanded to obtain a VA examination for his claimed chronic acquired psychiatric disorder, hearing loss disability, and tinnitus. The RO will also consider the provisions of 38 C.F.R. § 3.304 as amended.

The Board denied the Veteran's claims for service connection for right ear hearing loss, left ear hearing loss, and bilateral tinnitus. The VA audiology examination revealed normal hearing in both ears at the time of service discharge and no current evidence linking these conditions to service.

The Board has remanded the case for further development due to outstanding VA treatment records and other issues.

The Board has decided to remand the case for additional development, including obtaining medical records and providing a clarifying opinion regarding the nature and etiology of any hearing loss and tinnitus.

The Veteran's claims for service connection for bilateral hearing loss and recurrent tinnitus were denied. The Board found no evidence of a chronic hearing loss or tinnitus during active service, and the presumption of service connection did not apply. For his acquired psychiatric disorder claim, the Board noted that VA had a duty to provide a VA examination but further development was needed as there was insufficient medical evidence to decide the Veteran's claim.

The Board has denied the Veteran's claims of service connection for bilateral hearing loss, bilateral tinnitus, and rhinosinusitis due to a lack of evidence showing a nexus between his current disabilities and his military service.

The Veteran's service-connected disabilities render him unable to secure or follow a substantially gainful occupation, and the Board finds that his claim for TDIU is granted.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's bilateral hearing loss and tinnitus are related to his military service, including exposure to acoustic trauma. Service connection is granted for both conditions.

The Board has remanded the case for additional development due to issues regarding service connection for various conditions, including hearing loss, tinnitus, loss of sense of smell, and a respiratory condition.

The Board found that the Veteran's current diagnosis of tinnitus is not related to his military service, specifically noting that there was no evidence of tinnitus in service and that it did not result from acoustic trauma during military service.

The Board has ordered a remand for an examination to determine if the Veteran's service-connected hearing loss and tinnitus may have contributed to his vertigo and imbalance problems, which led to his death. The appeal is currently in remand status.

The Board has determined that the Veteran does not have service connection for bilateral hearing loss or tinnitus as these conditions were not shown during service, within one year of discharge, and are not related to active service.

The Veteran's appeal for service connection for tinnitus has been dismissed due to the death of the appellant.