Tinnitus (ringing in the ears) decisions — 2011

The Board has granted the Veteran's claims for service connection for bilateral hearing loss, tinnitus, and a lumbar spine disorder. The effective date of these grants is not specified as they are direct determinations based on the merits of the claims.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's tinnitus had its onset during active military service and grants service connection for this condition. The claim for bilateral hearing loss is remanded as there are outstanding VA audiology records to be obtained.

The Board found that the Veteran does not have an acquired anxiety disorder, to include PTSD, and thus denied service connection for this condition.

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

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

The Veteran's claims for increased ratings and service connection are being remanded due to the need for additional development, including obtaining medical records and scheduling a VA examination.

The Veteran's tinnitus was incurred during his military service and is granted as service connection.

The Board has granted service connection for various conditions, including prostate enlargement, allergic rhinitis, adjustment disorder, right shoulder impingement syndrome, lumbar strain myositis, tinnitus, and a papulovesicular skin rash. Service connection was denied for chest disability, left shoulder disability, stomach disability (undiagnosed illness), insomnia, dizziness, tiredness, night sweats, and psychiatric disorder (undiscovered illness).

The Board has granted service connection for bilateral hearing loss and tinnitus, finding that the evidence is in equipoise to warrant a finding that these conditions are etiologically related to service. The Veteran's back/neck disorder and peripheral neuropathy of the upper extremities (claimed as carpal tunnel syndrome) require further development.

The Veteran's bilateral hearing loss and tinnitus were found to be related to service, but the claim for tinnitus was denied due to lack of evidence.

The Veteran's appeal is being remanded to obtain additional medical records and for further examinations. The claims will be reconsidered based on the new evidence.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's tinnitus was first manifested during active duty service and has persisted since then, meeting the criteria for service connection.

The Veteran's claims for service connection for asbestosis and tinnitus were denied. The Board found no evidence of current asbestosis or a relationship between the claimed conditions and service.

The Board has ordered additional development due to incomplete records and scheduling issues for a Travel Board hearing. The claims are currently remanded.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's current hearing loss and tinnitus are related to his in-service noise exposure, and service connection is granted for these conditions.

The Board has remanded the Veteran's claims for further development due to a failure of the Veteran to appear for an examination scheduled in conjunction with his original compensation claim. The Veteran will be afforded one additional opportunity to appear for a VA examination.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's current bilateral hearing loss and tinnitus are not related to his military service, as there is no evidence of hearing loss or tinnitus during service or within one year post-service. The Veteran's assertions regarding noise exposure in service have been discounted due to lack of supporting medical records.

The Veteran's service-connected disabilities do not preclude him from securing or following substantially gainful employment consistent with his education and industrial background.

The Veteran's special separation benefits in the amount of $23,549.76 are properly recouped from his VA disability compensation due to the statutory requirement.

The Board found that the Veteran does not have a current disability of tinnitus and therefore denied his claim for service connection.