Tinnitus (ringing in the ears) decisions — 2011

The Board has determined that the Veteran's current bilateral hearing loss and tinnitus are not related to his active service, including exposure to acoustic trauma. The claims for service connection have been denied.

The Board found that the Veteran failed to report for a VA audiological examination scheduled in conjunction with his claims, and thus denied service connection for bilateral hearing loss disability and tinnitus based on the evidence of record.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's current tinnitus is related to his military service, specifically exposure to artillery noise during his time as a cannon crewman.

The Veteran's TDIU claim is being remanded for further examination and updated information. The case will be readjudicated after the additional development.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's service-connected PTSD, hearing loss, and tinnitus contributed substantially or materially to his death from arteriosclerotic heart disease. Therefore, the claim for service connection for the cause of the Veteran's death is granted.

The Veteran's claims for service connection for depressive disorder, refractive error, senile cataracts optic neuropathy (claimed as loss of sight, glaucoma and loss of field vision), migraine headaches, hearing loss, and tinnitus were all denied. The claim for a disability rating in excess of 10 percent for vertigo was also denied.

The Veteran's service-connected disabilities do not render him unemployable, as he is capable of performing the physical and mental acts required by employment.

The Veteran is entitled to a total rating based on individual unemployability due to his service-connected disabilities, effective January 26, 2007.

The Board has granted service connection for tinnitus and diabetes mellitus due to exposure in Vietnam, but hearing loss was not shown during service or at any time thereafter.

The Board has remanded the case due to new theories of service connection and additional evidence, requiring further development before a final decision can be made.

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 acoustic trauma or a current disability. The VA examiner concluded that the Veteran's current hearing loss and tinnitus were less likely than not caused by or related to his military service.

The Veteran's claims for bilateral hearing loss, tinnitus, and ear pain are being remanded due to the need for additional examinations and consideration of his entire service period.

The Board has remanded the case for additional development due to inadequate medical opinions regarding the Veteran's bilateral hearing loss and tinnitus, as well as noise exposure in service.

The Veteran's service-connected disabilities, including his right elbow and knee conditions, have rendered him unable to secure or maintain substantially gainful employment. The Board has determined that referral to the VA Compensation and Pension Service is warranted for consideration of a TDIU on an extraschedular basis.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's tinnitus is as likely related to his service-connected bilateral hearing loss, and thus grants service connection for tinnitus.

The Board has determined that the January 2004 rating decision is not final and a timely substantive appeal was filed. The Veteran's claims are remanded for further development, including obtaining a VA audio examination to determine the etiology of any current bilateral hearing loss and/or tinnitus.

The Veteran's claims for service connection for bilateral hearing loss disability, tinnitus and jungle rot of the feet have been granted. The Veteran has also submitted evidence suggesting he may have psoriasis and arthritis including psoriatic arthritis related to his service. These issues are remanded for further development.

The Veteran's tinnitus is found to have onset during his military service, and the Board finds it at least as likely as not that the Veteran's hearing loss was also caused by his exposure to loud noises in service. Service connection for both tinnitus and bilateral hearing loss are granted.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's bilateral hearing loss and tinnitus are service-connected, with the opinion being that both conditions are due to noise exposure in service.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's bilateral hearing loss and tinnitus were incurred in service, with noise exposure during active duty. As such, these conditions are granted as service connected.