Tinnitus (ringing in the ears) decisions — 2011

The Board has determined that the Veteran's tinnitus was not incurred in or aggravated by active service and is therefore denied.

The Board finds that the appellant's preexisting left ear hearing loss was aggravated by in-service treatment for Meniere's disease, including gentamycin injections. However, there is no evidence to support a worsening of tinnitus as a result of these treatments.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's tinnitus is not related to his military service and therefore denied the claim.

The Board has determined that additional development is needed to determine the etiology of the Veteran's claimed gastrointestinal, cardiovascular, sinusitis, right ear hearing loss, and tinnitus disorders. The RO/AMC will obtain service treatment records from his period of active duty in the United States Army from January to June 1978, verify his periods of reserve service, and schedule him for VA examinations.

The Veteran's claims for effective dates prior to October 14, 2008 for service connection of bilateral hearing loss and tinnitus were denied as there was no earlier claim received.

The Board has determined that the issue of entitlement to service connection for tinnitus was not properly before the AOJ and therefore, it is dismissed.

The Veteran has withdrawn his appeal regarding the issues of entitlement to service connection for right ear hearing loss, left ear hearing loss, and bilateral tinnitus. The Board finds that these appeals are dismissed without prejudice.

The Board found no evidence of in-service hearing loss or tinnitus, and the Veteran's current conditions are not linked to his military service. The claims for service connection were denied.

The case is being remanded to the RO for scheduling a Travel Board hearing as requested by the appellant. The evaluation for bilateral hearing loss from May 16, 2008 remains pending.

The Board has granted service connection for tinnitus and increased the rating for hearing loss, but denied a higher rating for hearing loss prior to December 22, 2010.

The Board denied the Veteran's claims of entitlement to service connection for bilateral hearing loss and tinnitus, finding that there was no evidence of in-service noise exposure or current disability. The Board also found that any current hearing loss and tinnitus were not related to military service.

The Board has determined that additional development is needed to properly adjudicate the Veteran's claims for service connection for bilateral hearing loss and tinnitus. The case will be remanded for a supplemental medical opinion, clarification of Social Security benefits status, and further evidentiary development.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's tinnitus, which he first experienced during his active military service, is service-connected.

The Board found that the Veteran's hearing loss disability and tinnitus were not incurred or aggravated by service, as there was no evidence of continuity of symptomatology. The disorders were first manifested many years after service.

The Board has determined that additional development is necessary prior to adjudication of the claims, including obtaining complete service personnel records and a VA examination for hearing loss, tinnitus, low back disorder, and left foot disorder.

The Board has granted service connection for chronic PTSD, generalized anxiety disorder, and dysthymia as they are secondary to an inservice personal assault. Service connection for chronic tinnitus was also granted based on in-service exposure to gunfire and explosions.

The Veteran's service-connected disabilities, including PTSD with depression, bilateral hearing loss, tinnitus, and scars, render him unable to secure or follow substantially gainful employment.

The Board has remanded the case for additional development, including obtaining VA treatment records and Social Security Administration (SSA) records. A medical opinion is also required to determine whether any of the Veteran's service-connected disabilities contributed substantially or materially to cause his death.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's current bilateral hearing loss and tinnitus are not service-connected, as there is no evidence of in-service noise exposure or a link between his current conditions and military service.

The Veteran's service-connected conditions did not cause or contribute to his death. The Board found that the Veteran's cerebrovascular accident, congestive heart failure, and atrial fibrillation were unrelated to any of his service-connected disabilities.