Tinnitus (ringing in the ears) decisions — 2011

The Board denied the Veteran's claims of entitlement to service connection for hypertension, bilateral hearing loss, erectile dysfunction (secondary to diabetes mellitus), and tinnitus. The evidence submitted since the previous denials was not new and material.

The Veteran's tinnitus is related to his service-connected bilateral hearing loss disability. The appeal for a higher rating for bilateral hearing loss and the denial of entitlement to service connection for COPD are dismissed.

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

The Veteran's appeal is being remanded for additional development of his claims, including obtaining medical opinions regarding the nature and etiology of his back disability and tinnitus.

The Board denied the Veteran's claims for service connection for bilateral hearing loss and tinnitus, finding that there was no evidence of a current disability resulting from in-service noise exposure.

The Board has awarded service connection for tinnitus, which represents a complete grant of the benefits sought on appeal. The Veteran's bilateral hearing loss and acquired psychiatric disorder (PTSD) are also granted as direct service connection is established.

The Board has determined that new and material evidence has been received to reopen the claim for service connection for bilateral hearing loss. The Veteran's reports of in-service noise exposure are credible, and he currently experiences bilateral hearing loss and tinnitus. These conditions are related to his military service.

The Board found that the Veteran's bilateral hearing loss and tinnitus were not incurred in service, as there was no evidence of hearing impairment during or immediately after his military service. The VA examinations did not support a nexus between current hearing loss and tinnitus and service.

The Veteran's claims of service connection for tinnitus, lumbosacral disability, bronchitis, gastritis, bilateral upper extremity paresthesias, bilateral wrist strain, residuals of bilateral big toe fractures, and headaches have been denied as there is no competent medical evidence linking these conditions to his military service.

The Board has denied the Veteran's claims for service connection for a left leg disability, bilateral pes planus, bilateral hearing loss, tinnitus, and meningitis. The evidence does not support the presence of current disabilities or a link to service.

The Board found that the Veteran's currently manifested bilateral hearing loss and tinnitus were not incurred in or aggravated by active service, and may not be presumed due to military noise exposure. Therefore, service connection for these conditions was denied.

The Veteran's appeal for special monthly compensation based on the need for aid and attendance of another person was dismissed as he stated that he does not require such assistance.

The Veteran's claims for service connection for bilateral hearing loss and tinnitus were denied as there is no evidence of current disability for which service connection may be granted.

The Board has determined that additional substantive development is necessary prior to appellate review of the claims on appeal, including obtaining VA treatment records and scheduling a VA examination for an audiological evaluation and another VA brain examination.

The Board has reopened the claim of service connection for bilateral hearing loss and tinnitus due to in-service noise exposure. The evidence is in equipoise, with the Veteran prevailing on both issues as his pre-existing hearing disability was aggravated by service.

The Board denied the Veteran's claims for service connection for bilateral hearing loss, tinnitus, sexual dysfunction (secondary to diabetes mellitus), and hypertension (secondary to diabetes mellitus) due to a lack of medical evidence linking these conditions to his active duty service.

The Board has denied the Veteran's appeals for increased ratings for bilateral hearing loss and tinnitus, as well as his claim for service connection for vertigo.

The Veteran is seeking service connection for tinnitus, which he claims is related to his in-service noise exposure and his current service-connected bilateral hearing loss. The Board has determined that a remand is necessary due to inadequate opinions regarding the onset of tinnitus during service or its relationship to his service-connected disability.

The Veteran's appeal is being remanded for additional development, including scheduling a VA examination to determine if he has hearing loss and tinnitus as a result of active service.

The Board has remanded the case due to inadequate opinion in the VA examination report and the need for further analysis on secondary service connection.