Tinnitus (ringing in the ears) decisions — 2011

The Board found no link between the appellant's current bilateral hearing loss and tinnitus and his service, including exposure to noise during National Guard training as an auto mechanic. The VA examiner concluded that it is less likely than not that these conditions are related to military service.

The Board has remanded the case for additional medical inquiry regarding the Veteran's claims of hearing loss and tinnitus, which are currently being reviewed by VA.

The Board has determined that new and material evidence has been received to reopen the claim of service connection for bilateral hearing loss. The appellant's current bilateral hearing loss and tinnitus are found to be causally related to in-service noise exposure, with reasonable doubt resolved in favor of the appellant.

The Board has decided that the Veteran's claims of entitlement to service connection for hearing loss and tinnitus must be remanded due to inadequate VA examination, lack of review of the claims file, and need for further audiometric testing.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's current bilateral hearing loss and tinnitus are related to his service, including exposure to loud noises during military training. As a result, the claims for service connection have been granted.

The Veteran's appeal is being remanded for additional development of his claims, including obtaining private medical records and a VA examination to address the nature and etiology of his current bilateral hearing loss disability and tinnitus disorders.

The Veteran's bilateral hearing loss and tinnitus are not service-connected, but his erectile dysfunction is denied as it does not have a direct relationship to service.

The Board has granted service connection for tinnitus, finding that the Veteran's current tinnitus is related to her active service. Service connection was denied for left ear hearing loss.

The Board has remanded the case due to inadequate rationale in the August 2006 audiologist's examination report, and a new addendum is required with clear reasoning for any opinions provided.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's current bilateral foot disorder, characterized by corns and calluses, was manifested during active duty. Service connection is granted for this condition.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's bilateral hearing loss and tinnitus are not related to his military service, including noise exposure. The claims for service connection have been denied.

The Board has granted service connection for tinnitus but denied service connection for left ear hearing loss.

The Veteran's claims for service connection for bilateral hearing loss, tinnitus, and dermatitis of the arms, hands, and left foot have been denied. The evidence received since the last final denial is not new or material to reopen any of these claims.

The Board has determined that a VA examination is needed to determine the etiology of the Veteran's bilateral hearing loss and tinnitus, as well as whether these conditions are related to his active military service. The appeal will be remanded for this purpose.

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

The Board found no evidence of current PTSD, hearing loss, or tinnitus related to service. The Veteran's claims for these conditions were denied.

The Board finds that the appellant currently suffers from bilateral hearing loss and tinnitus as a result of noise exposure in active duty service, and grants his claims for service connection.

The Board has granted service connection for tinnitus and hypertension, finding that both conditions are related to the Veteran's active service. The increased evaluation for PTSD remains pending.

The Veteran's hearing loss and tinnitus are being remanded for a VA examination to determine if they are related to his in-service noise exposure. The appeal will be reconsidered after the examination.

The Veteran is granted a total disability rating based on individual unemployability due to service-connected bilateral hearing loss and tinnitus, with a combined rating of 60 percent.