Tinnitus (ringing in the ears) decisions — 2012

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

The Veteran's claims for service connection for bilateral hearing loss and tinnitus were denied as there is no current disability recognized by VA standards, despite his assertions of in-service noise exposure. The Board found that the evidence did not establish a present hearing loss disability or tinnitus.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's bilateral hearing loss and tinnitus are likely due to exposure to loud noise during active service, and thus grants service connection for these conditions.

The Veteran's claim for an increased rating for PTSD was granted, and service connection for bilateral hearing loss and tinnitus was established. The decision also addressed the reopening of a previously denied claim for hearing loss.

The Board has determined that the Veteran does not have a current hearing loss disability for VA purposes and his tinnitus is not related to service. As such, the claims for service connection for bilateral hearing loss and tinnitus are denied.

The Board finds that the Veteran's tinnitus and left-sided neuropathy of the left leg are related to his service, with the latter being secondary to his service-connected diabetes mellitus.

The Board has remanded the case due to the need for additional development, including obtaining medical records related to a schwannoma and reviewing the Veteran's service connection claim in light of his presumed exposure to herbicides.

The Board has remanded the case due to the need for additional development and examination, including obtaining SSA records and scheduling a VA audio examination.

The VA determined that the Veteran's tinnitus did not originate during his military service and is unrelated to any in-service noise exposure. The Board found the July 2011 VA examination report, which concluded that the tinnitus more likely started after service as an auto mechanic, to be the most probative evidence.

The Veteran's tinnitus has been found to be clinically associated with his underlying bilateral sensorineural hearing loss, and the Board grants service connection for tinnitus as secondary to service-connected bilateral sensorineural hearing loss.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's service-connected disabilities do not meet the schedular requirements for a TDIU, but may be eligible for an extraschedular rating due to his unemployability.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's tinnitus and hepatitis C were not incurred in or aggravated by his active duty service, and therefore denied both claims.

The Board has granted service connection for left ear hearing loss and tinnitus, but denied service connection for acute labyrinthitis and right ear hearing loss due to lack of evidence supporting these claims.

The Board has determined that further development is needed before the claims can be fully adjudicated, including obtaining a VA audiological examination and reviewing outstanding VA medical records.

The Board has determined that additional development is necessary before a final decision can be made on the Veteran's claims for service connection for bilateral hearing loss and tinnitus.

The Board has ordered the VA to obtain additional treatment records and will remand the case for further development.

The Board has determined that additional development is needed to properly adjudicate the Veteran's claims for service connection for right ear hearing loss, left ear hearing loss, and tinnitus. This includes obtaining relevant treatment records from VA facilities and private providers.

The Board has determined that additional development is needed to properly adjudicate the Veteran's claims for service connection for bilateral hearing loss and tinnitus. The Veteran served in Vietnam and was exposed to noise during combat, basic training, and radio operator school. He underwent three stapedectomies post-service.

The Veteran's service connection claims for hearing loss, tinnitus, and sleep apnea have been granted. The claim for a higher rating for PTSD with stuttering and degenerative disc disease of the lumbar spine is pending. The TDIU issue remains unresolved.

The Veteran is service-connected for multiple conditions and the Board finds that his service-connected disabilities make him unable to secure or follow a substantially gainful occupation, warranting a total disability rating based on individual unemployability.