Tinnitus (ringing in the ears) decisions — 2011

The Board found no evidence of in-service hearing loss or tinnitus, and the Veteran's current conditions are not related to service. The claims for service connection were denied.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's tinnitus did not begin during service and is not related to any in-service noise exposure. As a result, the claim for service connection for tinnitus is denied.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's bilateral hearing loss does not warrant an evaluation in excess of 10 percent, and his claim for tinnitus was withdrawn by him. Therefore, the initial evaluations for both conditions have been denied.

The Board has found that the Veteran's left ear hearing loss and tinnitus are causally related to his military service. The claim for hypertension is also granted, but without a specific rating assigned as it remains on appeal.

The Board has remanded the case for additional development, including VA examinations to determine the nature and etiology of any chronic right ankle, foot, big toe, low back, hip, and leg disorders found to be present. The Veteran's claims will be readjudicated after the additional evidence is considered.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's tinnitus is at least as likely as not incurred during his military service, and thus grants service connection for tinnitus.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's bilateral hearing loss and tinnitus are not related to his service, and thus denied both claims.

The Board denied the Veteran's claim for a total disability rating based on individual unemployability due to service-connected disabilities, finding that his combined disability rating was less than 70% and thus did not meet the minimum TDIU percentage requirements. The appeal is being remanded for further development.

The Board has remanded the case due to insufficient evidence and needs further development before a final decision can be made on the Veteran's claims for service connection for bilateral hearing loss and tinnitus.

The Board has remanded the case due to incomplete records and further development is required.

The Veteran's service-connected disabilities, including PTSD, bilateral hearing loss, and tinnitus, have been rated as 60 percent disabling from July 21, 2006. As a result of these service-connected disabilities, the Veteran has been unable to secure or follow a substantially gainful occupation since May 17, 2007.

The Veteran's appeal is being remanded due to inconsistencies in her hearing tests and the need for a new VA audiological evaluation to determine the nature and etiology of her hearing loss, if any, and whether it is related to her military service. The examiner should also address the likely etiology of her tinnitus.

The Veteran's claims for increased evaluations of his service-connected bilateral hearing loss and tinnitus have been denied as there is no legal basis to award higher ratings under the applicable schedular criteria.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's tinnitus is a result of noise exposure during active service and grants service connection for this condition.

The Veteran's claim for service connection for tinnitus is being remanded due to the need for a new medical opinion regarding the etiology of his current condition.

The Board has determined that the Veteran is not competent to handle disbursement of funds and has ordered remand for further action.

The Veteran's bilateral hearing loss disability is granted as service connected, but his tinnitus is denied.

The Veteran's tinnitus is found to be related to his active service, and he has been granted service connection for this condition.,The Veteran was diagnosed with PTSD due to verified in-service stressors, and he has also been granted service connection for this condition.

The Veteran's claims for service connection for bilateral hearing loss and tinnitus were granted effective December 3, 2008. The Board found that the earliest date of receipt of a claim was December 3, 2008.

The Board has reopened the Veteran's claims for service connection for bilateral hearing loss disability and tinnitus, finding that new and material evidence has been submitted. The Board then granted service connection based on direct service connection due to a relationship between the disabilities and military service.