Tinnitus (ringing in the ears) decisions — 2011

The Veteran's service records show no evidence of hearing loss or tinnitus during his active duty. Post-service treatment records are limited and do not indicate current bilateral hearing loss disability for VA purposes. Therefore, the claims for service connection for bilateral hearing loss and tinnitus are denied.

The Board denied the Veteran's claims for service connection for various conditions, including a back disability, bilateral hearing loss, tinnitus, left knee disability, neck disability, peripheral neuropathy of upper and lower extremities, and right knee disability. The appeal is considered final due to the denial in March 1992.

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

The Veteran's service connection for bilateral hearing loss was granted based on exposure to noise trauma in service. The private audiologist opined that his tinnitus is at least as likely as not related to military noise exposure, and the Board found this opinion sufficient to grant service connection for tinnitus.

The Board found that the Veteran's bilateral hearing loss and tinnitus are at least partly due to noise exposure in service, granting his claims for these conditions.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's hearing loss and tinnitus are likely related to his military service, with consideration given to post-service noise exposure. Service connection is granted for both conditions.

The Board found no evidence linking the Veteran's tinnitus or foot conditions to his military service, and thus denied both claims.

The Veteran's claims for service connection for bilateral hearing loss, tinnitus, and PTSD are being remanded due to the unavailability of his service records. The VA is instructed to attempt to obtain additional evidence regarding the in-service stressor event for PTSD.

The Veteran's tinnitus is being remanded for further development, including consideration of whether it is proximately due to or has been aggravated by his service-connected bilateral hearing loss disability.

The Veteran's claims for service connection for bilateral hearing loss and tinnitus are being remanded due to the need to obtain Social Security Administration records, conduct a VA examination, and review existing treatment records.

The Board finds that the Veteran's current hearing loss and tinnitus are not related to his service, as there was no significant shift in hearing during service. The claim for service connection is denied.

The Veteran's tinnitus was found to have started during service and is therefore granted as service connected.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's currently diagnosed bilateral hearing loss and tinnitus are related to his period of active service, with a particular focus on his duties as a pilot and flight instructor. The Veteran reported in-service noise exposure and both conditions have been linked to this exposure.

The Veteran's multiple service-connected disabilities render him unable to secure or follow a substantially gainful occupation, including a sedentary occupation, consistent with his education and occupational background.

The Veteran's appeal is remanded due to the need for additional development, including VA examinations and further analysis of his claims.

The Veteran's tinnitus is related to service and the Board has granted entitlement to service connection.

The Board has remanded the case for additional development, including a clarifying medical opinion regarding the nature and etiology of the Veteran's hearing loss and tinnitus. The appellant is also provided with another duty to notify letter and an opportunity to submit evidence or indicate if she wishes representation.

The Board found that tinnitus was not incurred or aggravated in active service and may not be presumed to have been so incurred or aggravated on active duty. The claim for service connection is denied.

The Board has ordered additional development due to the need for clarification of the etiology of the Veteran's bilateral hearing loss disability and tinnitus, as well as consideration of lay statements regarding incidents in service.

The Board has determined that the Veteran does not have a current diagnosis of tinnitus, bilateral hearing loss, or a bilateral elbow condition. Therefore, service connection for these conditions is denied.