Tinnitus (ringing in the ears) decisions — 2011

The Board has determined that the Veteran's service-connected PTSD and traumatic brain injury contributed substantially or materially to his death, which occurred due to a motorcycle accident. The decision grants entitlement to service connection for the cause of death.

The Veteran's claims for service connection for bilateral hearing loss and tinnitus were denied as there is no credible evidence of a nexus between the current disabilities and his military service, including in-service noise exposure.

The Veteran's death was found to be due to ischemic heart disease, specifically coronary artery disease. The Board granted service connection for this condition as the result of exposure to herbicides for purposes of accrued benefits.

The Board found that the Veteran's current right ear hearing loss and tinnitus did not meet the criteria for service connection, as there was no evidence of hearing impairment meeting VA standards within one year of discharge from active duty. The Board concluded that the conditions are less than 50 percent likely to be attributable to military service.

The Veteran's service-connected chronic maxillary sinusitis with occasional tinnitus of the right ear is currently rated as 10 percent disabling, effective December 16, 2010. The Board found that she was entitled to a compensable rating prior to this date.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's tinnitus was incurred during his military service and grants entitlement to service connection for this condition.

The Board found no evidence to support the Veteran's claims of service connection for bilateral hearing loss and tinnitus, as his current conditions are not causally related to his military service.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's bilateral hearing loss is not service-connected, but his tinnitus is as likely as not related to military service.

The Board has remanded the case for additional development, including obtaining VA and private medical records related to the Veteran's hearing loss and tinnitus. A VA examination is also required.

The Board has determined that the reduction of the Veteran's disability compensation payment to the 10 percent rate, effective January 1, 2009, was proper.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's bilateral hearing loss and tinnitus are not related to his military service, as there is no evidence of in-service noise exposure or any current disabilities. The claims have been denied.

The Veteran's appeal has been dismissed due to the death of the appellant.

The Veteran's bilateral hearing loss and tinnitus are found to be related to his active duty service.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's bilateral hearing loss and tinnitus are related to his active duty service, granting service connection for both conditions.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's tinnitus did not manifest during service and is not otherwise related to his active military service.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's bilateral hearing loss and tinnitus are not related to his active duty service, as there is no in-service noise exposure documented and the current disabilities are more likely due to post-service occupational noise exposure.

Your appeal is being remanded to the RO for scheduling a DRO hearing and a Board videoconference hearing. The VA will notify you if further action is required.

The Board has granted the Veteran's claims for service connection for a low back disability, chronic sinusitis, headaches, a right inguinal hernia, and hemorrhoids. The remaining issues have been remanded.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's bilateral hearing loss and tinnitus are not related to his military service, as there is no evidence of in-service noise exposure or continuity of symptomatology since separation from service.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's residuals of a perforated tympanic membrane of the left ear are causally related to in-service acoustic trauma, and service connection is granted.