Tinnitus (ringing in the ears) decisions — 2011

The Board found no current chronic lung condition, and denied service connection for a lung disorder. The Veteran's bilateral hearing loss was not first manifested in service or during the first post-service year, and the competent and credible evidence of record is against a finding that right ear hearing loss is related to military service. Tinnitus was also not first manifested in service and the competent and credible evidence of record is against a finding that tinnitus is related to military service.

The Veteran's claims for service connection for a right knee disorder, bilateral hearing loss, and tinnitus are being remanded due to the need for additional development including VA examinations.

The Board has reopened the Veteran's claims for service connection for bilateral hearing loss and tinnitus, finding that new evidence supports a link between these conditions and his military service. The criteria for service connection have been met in both cases.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's tinnitus is related to his in-service noise exposure and grants service connection for this condition.

The Veteran's right ear hearing loss, tinnitus, and panic disorder were all found to be related to his military service.

The Board has determined that further development of the evidence is required before the claims can be adjudicated. The Veteran's service connection claims for various disabilities are being remanded to the RO.

The Board has granted service connection for tinnitus, but denied the Veteran's claims for bilateral hearing loss, low back condition, bilateral ankle condition, and bilateral Achilles tendon condition. The Veteran's claim for an increased rating for PTSD is also addressed in this decision.

The Veteran's claim for service connection for tinnitus was denied, and his claim for an increased rating for lumbosacral strain superimposed on minimal scoliosis and degenerative disc disease, L3-4 and L4-5, at a 10 percent evaluation, was also denied.

The Veteran's tinnitus was granted service connection as it is considered a result of noise exposure in service. The issues regarding bilateral plantar fasciitis and bilateral hearing loss disability are remanded for further development.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's tinnitus is related to his military service, as evidenced by noise exposure during active duty. The preponderance of evidence supports a finding that the current tinnitus disability is linked to service.

The Veteran withdrew his appeal for increased rating of tinnitus and service connection for onychomycosis prior to the Board's decision.

The Board has granted the appellant's claims for service connection for tinnitus and sleep apnea, but denied his claim for service connection for bilateral hearing loss due to lack of evidence within the time frame. The claim for erectile dysfunction was not adjudicated as it is related to a clothing allowance or fee dispute.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's bilateral hearing loss disability and tinnitus did not manifest during service or within one year of discharge, and are unrelated to service. The claim for service connection is denied.

The Veteran has been granted service connection for tinnitus, finding that it is at least as likely as not related to his active duty.

The Board has remanded the case due to inadequate examination and incomplete medical records. The Veteran's claims for bilateral hearing loss and tinnitus will be reviewed again with new evidence.

The Veteran's current headaches had their onset in service and the Board has granted service connection for this condition. The other issues are pending further development.

The Board has granted service connection for tinnitus, finding that the Veteran's current condition is at least as likely as not related to his military noise exposure. The claim of service connection for residuals of a right eye injury remains pending and will be addressed in accordance with the March 2008 remand directives.

The Veteran's tinnitus had its onset during service and the Veteran experienced continuous symptoms of tinnitus since separation from service, leading to a grant of service connection for tinnitus. The issue of service connection for bilateral hearing loss is being remanded.

The Board denied service connection for both Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) and bilateral tinnitus, finding no current diagnoses of these conditions in the Veteran's records. The Veteran did not have a current diagnosis of PTSD or tinnitus.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's bilateral hearing loss disability and tinnitus were not incurred in or aggravated by service, but granted service connection for tinnitus based on its onset during active service.