Tinnitus (ringing in the ears) decisions — 2011

The Board has reopened the Veteran's claim of entitlement to service connection for a chronic imbalance disorder, but finds that new evidence does not establish a direct relationship between his current condition and military service.

The Board denied the Veteran's claims for service connection for various disabilities, finding that his statements regarding continuity of symptoms were not credible and that no evidence supported a nexus between his current conditions and military service.

The Veteran's claims for service connection for hearing loss, tinnitus, and an acquired psychiatric disorder were denied. The Board found that the Veteran did not have a current disability related to her in-service noise exposure and that there was no evidence of continuity of symptomatology post-service.

The Board denied the Veteran's claim for service connection for bilateral tinnitus, finding that his current tinnitus did not have its onset during service and is not otherwise etiologically related to his active service.

The Board has remanded the case for further development, including issuance of proper notice and a VA opinion regarding whether service-connected conditions contributed to the Veteran's death.

The Board has granted service connection for tinnitus. The Veteran's claims of entitlement to service connection for bilateral hearing loss, shoulder disability, and knee disability are remanded for further development.

The Veteran's TDIU was granted effective June 11, 2008. The Board denied an earlier effective date as the evidence did not show unemployability prior to this date.

The Board has remanded the Veteran's claims for additional development, including obtaining his Reserve service records and scheduling a VA examination to determine the etiology of his claimed disabilities.

The Board granted service connection for bilateral tinnitus and assigned a 20 percent evaluation for bilateral hearing loss, effective as of March 18, 2010.

The Veteran's claims for payment or reimbursement of unauthorized medical expenses incurred at St. F. Medical Center and CNRS (GIPT & S Clinic) in July and August 2005 were denied as the treatment was not emergent, a VA facility was feasibly available, and the Veteran was not financially liable.

The Veteran's claims for service connection for bilateral hearing loss and tinnitus have been denied as there is no current evidence of these conditions.

The Board has granted a rating of 30 percent for the residuals of a laceration of the left thumb, finding that new and material evidence had been received to reopen service connection for both left elbow epicondylitis and postoperative residuals of right elbow epicondylitis. The Veteran's bilateral elbow disabilities are found to be related to his service-connected left thumb disability.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's bilateral hearing loss and tinnitus are as likely as not related to his military service, including exposure to loud noise without protection. As such, these conditions have been granted service connection.

The Board found the evidence in equipoise regarding the Veteran's claims for service connection for bilateral hearing loss and tinnitus. The Veteran entered service with a preexisting hearing loss disorder, but his separation examination did not show any aggravation of this condition during service. His claim for tinnitus is also supported by lay statements indicating continuity of symptomatology since service.

The Board has determined that further medical examination and opinion are needed to resolve the claims for service connection for low back disability, pulmonary nodules, hearing loss, and tinnitus.

The Veteran's claims for service connection for bilateral hearing loss and tinnitus are both granted. The Board found that the Veteran had current symptoms of tinnitus, which he claimed to have experienced since service, and there was no evidence contradicting his report.

The Board has reopened the Veteran's claim for service connection for bilateral hearing loss and tinnitus, finding new and material evidence. The Veteran served as a combat pilot during World War II where he was exposed to loud noise. He currently has diagnosed sensorineural bilateral hearing loss and tinnitus. Service connection is granted for these conditions.

The Board has remanded the case for additional development due to new evidence provided by the Veteran's representative.

The Veteran's claims for service connection for bilateral hearing loss and tinnitus are being remanded due to the need for additional development, including obtaining medical records and clarifying whether the Veteran desires a Board hearing.

The Veteran had tinnitus in service and there is post-service continuity of symptomatology demonstrating a nexus between the current tinnitus and the in-service tinnitus. The Board finds that her reports are credible, as they reflect experienced tinnitus in service, diagnosed currently, and with a continuity of symptoms since service.