Tinnitus (ringing in the ears) decisions — 2011

The Veteran's tinnitus is found to be related to his military service, specifically exposure to excessive noise. His claims for other conditions are denied as there is no evidence of current disability or a link to service.

The Veteran's claims of entitlement to service connection for bilateral hearing loss and tinnitus are being remanded due to the need for additional development, including obtaining medical records and providing the Veteran with a VA examination.

The Veteran's claims for service connection are being remanded due to the need for additional medical records and SSA records.

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

The Board has granted the Veteran's claims for service connection for bilateral hearing loss and tinnitus, finding that these conditions are related to his period of active service.

The Veteran's appeal of the claims for service connection for a left eye stye and right ankle strain has been withdrawn. The remaining service connection claims are addressed in the REMAND portion of this decision.

The Veteran's appeal is being remanded due to his request for a travel Board hearing. The issues of entitlement to service connection and initial compensable rating for various conditions are pending.

The Veteran's claims for bilateral hearing loss, tinnitus, and a skin condition (including as secondary to Agent Orange exposure) are being remanded due to the need to obtain additional medical records.

The Board is remanding the case to attempt further verification of the Veteran's in-service stressors and to obtain a VA examination for both his psychiatric disorder (PTSD) and tinnitus claims.

The Board has granted service connection for bilateral hearing loss and tinnitus, finding that the Veteran's symptoms of decreased hearing and ringing in the ears began during or shortly after his military service.

The Veteran's TDIU claim is being remanded for further examination and analysis to determine the cumulative effect of his service-connected conditions on his employability.

The Board found that the Veteran's bilateral hearing loss and tinnitus were not incurred in or aggravated by his military service. The evidence did not establish a nexus between these conditions and his active duty.

The Board has granted service connection for bilateral hearing loss and tinnitus, finding that the Veteran's current disabilities are related to in-service noise exposure. The earliest possible effective date of December 21, 2004, for the award of service connection for residuals of a pilonidal cystectomy is also established.

The Board has determined that the appellant currently suffers from tinnitus, which is a result of his military service. As such, the claim for service connection for tinnitus is granted.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's current bilateral hearing loss and tinnitus are at least as likely as not related to his service, granting service connection for these conditions.