Tinnitus (ringing in the ears) decisions — 2011

The Board has reopened the Veteran's claim of service connection for tinnitus due to new evidence submitted since the July 1981 rating decision. However, a VA examination is needed to determine if the current tinnitus is related to noise exposure in service.

The Veteran's service records do not show any complaints, treatment, or diagnosis of bilateral hearing loss or tinnitus. The Board finds that the Veteran is not entitled to service connection for these conditions as they are not shown to be related to his military service.

The Board has granted service connection for bilateral hearing loss and tinnitus, finding that the Veteran experienced symptoms during service and continuous since separation. The Board also found a positive nexus between the current conditions and service.

The Board has granted service connection for tinnitus and residuals of cold weather injuries affecting the Veteran's bilateral upper and lower extremities. The Veteran withdrew his claim for a rating in excess of 30 percent for PTSD prior to April 1, 2011.

The Board denied the appellant's claims for increased ratings for bilateral hearing loss and tinnitus, as there is no showing of exceptional or unusual disability that would warrant an extra-schedular evaluation.

The Board found no evidence of in-service hearing loss or tinnitus and concluded that the Veteran's current conditions are not related to his military service.

The Veteran's service-connected disabilities, including PTSD, tinnitus, and bilateral hearing loss, do not meet the criteria for a total disability rating based on individual unemployability.

The VA determined that the Veteran's tinnitus was not incurred or aggravated by his military service, including exposure to noise from artillery and weapons fire.

The Veteran's left ear hearing loss was not incurred in or aggravated by service, nor may it be presumed to have been incurred in service.

The Board has determined that additional development of the evidence is required, including obtaining VA and private treatment records, verifying in-service stressor allegations, and scheduling VA examinations to determine the nature and etiology of the Veteran's claimed disabilities.

The Veteran's appeal is being remanded for further development, including additional VA examinations and a complete unit history search to determine if the Veteran engaged in combat service. Another VA examination is also needed to assess the etiology of his tinnitus and dental disability.

The Board denied service connection for bilateral hearing loss disability and tinnitus, finding that the Veteran's current conditions are not attributable to his military service.

The Veteran's service-connected disabilities, including PTSD and tinnitus, rendered him unable to obtain or maintain substantially gainful employment. The Board granted entitlement to TDIU based on the severity of his service-connected conditions.

The Board denied the Veteran's claims of service connection for tinnitus, hypertension, and an initial compensable rating for a right eyebrow scar. The claim for increased rating for adjustment disorder with depressed mood is addressed in the REMAND portion.

The Veteran's claim for service connection for tinnitus is being remanded due to the need for a more thorough examination and opinion regarding the cause of his tinnitus, including consideration of quinine use during service.

The Board has determined that there is no relationship between the Veteran's tinnitus and his active duty service, and thus denied service connection for tinnitus. Service connection was not granted for hypertension as well.

The Board denied the Veteran's claims for service connection for diabetes mellitus, a gallbladder disability, hearing loss, and tinnitus, finding no evidence linking these conditions to his military service.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's bilateral hearing loss and tinnitus did not have onset in service or due to service, and thus denied his claims for service connection.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's current left ear hearing loss and tinnitus are related to exposure to loud noise in service, resolving all reasonable doubt in his favor. As such, the criteria for service connection have been met.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's bilateral hearing loss and tinnitus are as likely as not related to his military service, granting service connection for these conditions.