Tinnitus (ringing in the ears) decisions — 2010

The Board denied the Veteran's claims for service connection for various conditions, including bilateral hearing loss, a skin disability other than pseudofolliculitis barbae, headaches, left wrist and foot disabilities, tinnitus, lung disability, and left hand disability. The decision also addressed issues related to initial compensable ratings for hallux valgus of the feet and sinusitis.

The Veteran's claim for increased ratings for service-connected bilateral hearing loss and tinnitus was denied by the Board of Veterans' Appeals. The maximum rating of 10 percent is assigned for each condition, as per VA regulations.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's current bilateral hearing loss and tinnitus are not related to his service, including any in-service noise exposure. The Veteran did not have a diagnosed hearing loss disability during service or within one year of separation from service, and there is no medical evidence linking these conditions to service.

The Board has determined that additional medical records and examinations are necessary to properly adjudicate the Veteran's claims for service connection.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's current hearing loss and tinnitus are related to his periods of active service with the National Guard, and thus grants service connection for these conditions.

The Board found that the Veteran's hearing loss and tinnitus did not start during or immediately after service, and are not related to his military service. The VA examiner opined that any current hearing loss is more likely due to civilian employment rather than service exposure.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's right ear hearing loss disability is incurred in service, and his tinnitus was not incurred in or aggravated by active service. The other issues are addressed as part of the remand process.

The Veteran's claims for earlier effective dates for service connection of hearing loss and tinnitus are being remanded due to the need to consider a claim of clear and unmistakable error (CUE) in prior rating decisions, as well as potential new evidence from missing service medical records.

The Board has granted service connection for tinnitus, finding that the Veteran's current tinnitus had its onset in service. The hearing loss claim is being remanded as it relates to a different issue.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's bilateral hearing loss and tinnitus are related to noise exposure in service, granting service connection for both conditions.

The Veteran's claim for TDIU is being remanded due to the need for a VA examination and an opportunity to submit a formal application. The examiner will assess whether his service-connected disabilities render him unable to secure or follow a substantially gainful occupation.

The Veteran's claims for increased evaluations for injury to the left knee, tinnitus, empyema (residuals of pneumonia postoperative), and bilateral high frequency hearing loss have been denied. The evidence does not support higher ratings under applicable VA rating criteria.

The Veteran's service-connected PTSD and other disabilities render him in need of regular aid and attendance, warranting SMC based on the need for aid and attendance. However, he does not meet the criteria for housebound status.

The Veteran's need for regular aid and attendance due to his service-connected disabilities, particularly his lumbar spine condition, has been established. He requires assistance with daily activities such as bathing, dressing, and handling finances.

The Veteran's appeal for service connection for bilateral hearing loss and tinnitus is being remanded due to inadequate VA examinations. The case must be reviewed again with new evidence.

The Board has remanded the case for further development due to inadequate VA examinations and need for clarification of medical opinions.

The Board denied the Veteran's claims for service connection for PTSD, bilateral hearing loss, and tinnitus due to a lack of verified in-service stressors. The Veteran did not engage in combat or provide credible supporting evidence for his claimed stressors.

The Board has determined that additional development is needed before the claims can be fully adjudicated. This includes obtaining records from SSA, arranging for a VA audiological and urological examination, and ensuring all issues are addressed.

The Veteran's claim for service connection for bilateral hearing loss and tinnitus was denied as there is no evidence of a current disability or in-service incurrence. The Board found that the Veteran did not have a current hearing disability, and his post-service treatment records do not show any complaints or findings related to these conditions.

The Board has determined that the appellant's bilateral hearing loss disability and tinnitus were not incurred in or aggravated by service, and thus denied both claims.