Tinnitus (ringing in the ears) decisions — 2011

The Veteran's claims for erectile dysfunction, gastrointestinal condition (including IBS, GERD and/or hiatal hernia), and tinnitus have been denied as they are not service-connected.

The Board has determined that there is a need to obtain additional evidence from the Social Security Administration (SSA) and will remand the case for this purpose. The Veteran's claims for whether new and material evidence has been received to reopen a previously denied claim for service connection for a left knee condition, to include as secondary to the service-connected disabilities of right knee chondromalacia and chronic lumbosacral strain, and service connection for tinnitus will be further reviewed.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's current bilateral hearing loss and tinnitus are related to his active military service, and thus grants service connection for these conditions.

The Board has determined that further development is needed to clarify the Veteran's dates of service and to obtain any necessary medical records. The case will be remanded for these actions.

The Veteran's appeal is being remanded due to a scheduling issue for a hearing. The issues of service connection and special monthly pension are addressed in separate decisions.

The Veteran's claim for TDIU is being remanded due to the need for additional evidence and an examination to determine his employability.

The Board has determined that further development is necessary before the claims for service connection for bilateral hearing loss disability and tinnitus can be decided. The Veteran's in-service noise exposure history will need to be verified, and an examination will be conducted to determine if his current hearing loss and tinnitus are related to his military service.

The Board has granted a TDIU based on the appellant's service-connected disabilities. The appeal for higher evaluations of bilateral hearing loss disability, peripheral neuropathy of the right and left lower extremities, and peripheral neuropathy of the upper extremities is remanded.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's bilateral hearing loss and tinnitus are directly related to his military service, specifically due to acoustic trauma from noise exposure during his time as an aircraft mechanic. The claims for service connection have been granted.

The case is being remanded for further clarification on the relationship between the Veteran's service-connected left ear hearing loss and his tinnitus. The Veteran will be provided an opportunity to respond.

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

The Veteran's claims for bilateral hearing loss and tinnitus are being remanded due to the need for a new VA examination to determine if these conditions are related to service exposure.

The Board has decided the appeal is remanded due to the need for a VA examination to determine if the Veteran's hearing loss and tinnitus are related to service.

The Board has determined that additional development is needed for the Veteran's claims of service connection for hypertension and tinnitus. The case will be returned to the RO for further action.

The Veteran's claim for an increased rating for tinnitus was denied, and his claim for service connection for vertigo (claimed as secondary to service-connected tinnitus) is pending. The RO/AMC must issue a Statement of the Case regarding the latter issue.

The Board has remanded the case due to the Veteran's request for a travel board hearing.

The Board has granted service connection for tinnitus as secondary to service-connected left ear hearing loss. The issue of right ear hearing loss is remanded due to insufficient evidence.

The Board has remanded the case due to inadequate examination reports and incorrect dates of service. The Veteran must be provided a new VA examination to determine the etiology of his current bilateral hearing loss and tinnitus taking into account his correct dates of service and the examination reports cited.

The Board found that the Veteran's tinnitus was not incurred in or aggravated by service, and denied his claim.

The Board found that the appellant's current hearing loss and tinnitus are not related to his active service, as there is no evidence of such conditions during or shortly after service. The appellant did not have a hearing loss disability for VA compensation purposes.