Tinnitus (ringing in the ears) decisions — 2011

The Veteran's case is being remanded for an additional VA examination to determine whether his service-connected disabilities alone are sufficient to produce unemployability, and for readjudication of the TDIU claim.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's bilateral hearing loss and tinnitus are related to his exposure to noise trauma during active duty, warranting service connection.

The Veteran's service-connected tinnitus and bilateral hearing loss are rated at the maximum allowed under VA regulations, with no additional compensation warranted.

The Board has determined that additional development is necessary to properly adjudicate the Veteran's claims, including obtaining specific information regarding his periods of active duty and inactive duty training in the Army Reserve.

The Board found that the Veteran does not have a right ear hearing loss disability for VA purposes and denied service connection for this condition. The issues of left ear hearing loss and tinnitus are addressed in the REMAND portion of the decision.

The Veteran's appeal is being remanded for additional development, including obtaining his service treatment records and scheduling a VA examination to evaluate his PTSD claim.

The Veteran's migraine headaches, acquired psychiatric disorder (including PTSD), hearing loss, and tinnitus are all found to be related to his military service.

The Board has remanded the claims for service connection due to insufficient development and need for additional opinions regarding the etiology of hearing loss, tinnitus, and psychiatric disabilities.

The Board has remanded the case for a hearing before a member of the Board to be held at a local VA office. The Veteran's claims for service connection for hearing loss, tinnitus, and reopening his claim for dental trauma are pending.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's bilateral hearing loss and tinnitus were incurred in active service, with the evidence being in equipoise. Therefore, both conditions are granted as service connected.

The Board denied service connection for bilateral hearing loss and tinnitus, finding that the Veteran's current hearing disabilities are not due to in-service noise exposure.,Specifically, the evidence did not establish a compensable right ear hearing loss disability within one year after separation from service.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's bilateral hearing loss and tinnitus disabilities are related to his active duty military service, with both conditions being granted as service-connected.

Service connection for a dental disorder is denied.,An initial noncompensable evaluation for bilateral hearing loss has been granted.

The Board has granted the Veteran's claims of entitlement to service connection for bilateral hearing loss and bilateral tinnitus, finding that there is sufficient evidence to support these conditions as being incurred in active duty service.

The Board found that the Veteran's current bilateral hearing loss and tinnitus are not related to service, as there is no evidence of continuous symptomatology since service or a nexus between his current conditions and service. The Veteran reported noise exposure during service but also significant post-service occupational noise exposure.

The Board found that the Veteran's current bilateral hearing loss and tinnitus are not causally related to his military service, as there is no evidence of a nexus between his symptoms and his active duty. The VA opinions provided by medical professionals were considered credible and probative in concluding that the Veteran's hearing loss and tinnitus did not stem from his time in service.

The Veteran's service-connected disabilities (bilateral hearing loss and tinnitus) do not preclude him from securing or following a substantially gainful occupation.

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

The Board has remanded the case due to the Veteran's failure to report for a requested hearing and because additional VA records are needed. The Veteran is also asked to provide authorizations for treatment from two medical facilities.

The Veteran's appeal is being remanded for further development, including VA examinations and a de novo review.