Tinnitus (ringing in the ears) decisions — 2011

The Veteran's service-connected disabilities do not meet the criteria for a total disability evaluation based on individual unemployability prior to January 14, 2011. As of June 2, 2009, he meets the schedular criteria for such an evaluation.

The Veteran's right knee disability has been rated at 60 percent since August 10, 2009. He also received a separate 10 percent rating for instability of the right knee from September 11, 2009 to October 5, 2009.

The Veteran seeks service connection for bilateral defective hearing and tinnitus, related to noise exposure in service. The appeal is REMANDED due to the need for a VA examination.

The Board has granted service connection for tinnitus, finding that the Veteran's reported history of tinnitus since service is credible and supports a finding of in-service onset. Service connection for bilateral hearing loss was denied as there was no evidence linking it to service.

The Veteran's combined schedular rating for his service-connected disabilities is 60 percent, which does not meet the criteria for special monthly pension based on need for regular aid and attendance or being housebound.

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

The Veteran's tinnitus is found to have started during service and the Board grants service connection for this condition.

The Board is remanding the claims to determine if the Veteran's claimed conditions are related to his military service, including considering whether they were aggravated by such service.

The Veteran's bilateral hearing loss and tinnitus are found to be related to noise exposure during his military service, leading to a grant of service connection for these conditions.

The Board has determined that additional development is necessary prior to the adjudication of the Veteran's claims for service connection for bilateral hearing loss and tinnitus. The case is REMANDED to obtain VA audiological examination, verify Naval Reserve service, and associate relevant records.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's bilateral hearing loss and tinnitus were not incurred or aggravated during active duty service.,Service connection for rheumatoid arthritis (bilateral feet) is denied as there is no evidence of a nexus between current symptoms and service.

The Veteran withdrew his appeal regarding the claims of entitlement to service connection for bilateral hearing loss and tinnitus, thus dismissing the appeal.

The Veteran's appeal is being remanded due to a scheduling issue for a Board hearing. The issues of entitlement to service connection for bilateral hearing loss and bilateral tinnitus are still pending.

The Veteran's claims for bilateral hearing loss, tinnitus, type II diabetes mellitus, benign prostatic hypertrophy, and prostate cancer have been denied as there is no competent evidence of current disabilities or a link to service. The claim for an increased rating for prostate cancer has also been denied.

The Veteran's appeal is being remanded for additional development, including a VA audiological examination to determine the nature and etiology of his hearing loss and tinnitus.

The Board has decided the appeal is remanded due to outstanding evidence and privacy requests, as well as the need for a VA examination.

The Veteran's right hand disability was incurred in service and is granted. The appeal for left foot, bilateral hearing loss, and tinnitus disabilities is REMANDED.

The Board has reopened the claims for service connection for hearing loss and tinnitus, finding new and material evidence. Service connection is granted for tinnitus due to in-service acoustic trauma from an anchor chain incident. The claim for hearing loss remains pending as further development is needed.

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

The Board found that the Veteran's current hearing loss and tinnitus are not related to his military service, as there was no evidence of such conditions during or immediately following service. The VA examiner concluded that it is less likely than not that these disabilities were caused by noise exposure in service.