Tinnitus (ringing in the ears) decisions — 2011

The Board has remanded the case for further development and examination, including consideration of new regulations regarding PTSD. The Veteran's claims will be adjudicated based on the additional evidence obtained.

The Veteran withdrew her appeal for all issues except possibly service connection on the merits.

The Board has determined that the Veteran does not have bilateral hearing loss or tinnitus that is attributable to his active military service. The VA examiner found no evidence of noise exposure during service and noted normal hearing at separation.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's current tinnitus is related to his military service, and thus grants the claim for service connection.

The Veteran's appeal for an increased evaluation of shell fragment wound of the abdomen with perforation of the colon, postoperative was withdrawn. The claims for service connection for right ear hearing loss disability and tinnitus were not granted. The claim for a compensable evaluation for left ear hearing loss disability was denied. The claim for a compensable evaluation for residual scars from a shell fragment wound was also denied.

The Board has remanded the case due to the Veteran's failure to report for a VA examination and his request for rescheduling. The case is now pending with instructions to obtain additional medical records and schedule the Veteran for an audiological examination.

The Veteran's claims for bilateral hearing loss, tinnitus, hepatitis C and a right knee disorder have all been denied.,There is no evidence of any current disabilities related to these conditions.

The Veteran's claims for effective dates prior to January 27, 2009 for the grant of service connection for hearing impairment and tinnitus are denied as there is no evidence of a claim being filed within one year after separation from service.

The Veteran is seeking a TDIU rating based on service-connected disabilities. The RO/AMC needs to schedule the Veteran for an examination and determine if his service-connected disabilities prevent him from securing or following a substantially gainful occupation.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's bilateral hearing loss and tinnitus are due to noise exposure during service, with no evidence of pre-service or post-service noise exposure. The claims are granted.

The Veteran's service-connected disabilities do not meet the criteria for special home adaptation grant due to his blindness in both eyes or loss of use of both hands.

The Board has remanded the case due to the Veteran's request for a Travel Board hearing. The claims for service connection remain pending and will be addressed after the hearing.

The Board found that the Veteran's death was not caused by a service-connected condition, as his service-connected conditions (PTSD, bilateral hearing loss, and tinnitus) were not considered to be principal or contributory causes of his death. The appellant argued that her husband's PTSD contributed to his strokes and heart attacks, but VA medical opinions did not support this claim.

The Board denied service connection for bilateral hearing loss and tinnitus, finding that the Veteran's current conditions were not related to his military service due to lack of in-service symptoms or noise exposure.

The Veteran's claims for service connection were denied. The Board found that tinnitus was not incurred in or aggravated by active service, a back disorder and neck disorder were first shown after service and following post-service injuries, and hearing loss did not meet the criteria for an initial compensable rating.

The Veteran withdrew his service connection claims for bilateral hearing loss, tinnitus, and lung cancer prior to the Board's decision.

The Board has granted service connection for bilateral hearing loss and tinnitus, finding that the Veteran's current conditions are related to his in-service exposure to loud noises.

The Veteran's service-connected disabilities do not meet the criteria for financial assistance in acquiring specially-adapted housing or a special home adaptation grant.

The Board has determined that a new examination is needed to determine the etiology of the Veteran's hearing loss and tinnitus disabilities, as the current evidence does not reflect consistent noise exposure history. The claims are being remanded for this purpose.

The Veteran's claims for service connection for recurrent headaches, bilateral hearing loss, and tinnitus are being remanded to the RO for additional development.