Tinnitus (ringing in the ears) decisions — 2012

The Board has determined that the Veteran's tinnitus is related to in-service noise exposure and granted service connection for this condition. The decision on hearing loss remains pending as it was not addressed in the current appeal.

The Veteran's appeal is remanded due to the need for a new VA examination to determine if he has current hearing loss and tinnitus related to service, including noise exposure as a field wireman in an artillery unit. The RO should also obtain interpretations of private audiological reports.

The Board has awarded service connection for residuals of jaw surgery, characterized by facial numbness. The Veteran's claims for hearing loss, tinnitus, and eye injuries are remanded for further development.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's claimed tinnitus and residuals of asbestos exposure were not incurred in or aggravated by service.

The Veteran's claim for an effective date prior to February 22, 2007 for a separate 10 percent evaluation for tinnitus is denied. The effective date of February 22, 2007 was determined as the earliest date that it was factually ascertainable that an increase in disability occurred.

The Board has granted service connection for tinnitus, finding that the Veteran's current condition is likely due to noise exposure during his military service. Service connection was denied for bilateral hearing loss.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's tinnitus did not manifest during service or within one year of discharge, and is not related to his military noise exposure. As a result, the claim for service connection for tinnitus is denied.

The Veteran does not have right ear hearing loss or tinnitus as a result of disease or injury incurred in service. The Board finds that the preponderance of evidence is against these claims.

The Board has granted service connection for right ear hearing loss and denied service connection for left ear hearing loss and tinnitus. Right ear hearing loss is found to be due to noise exposure during military service.

The Board has denied the appellant's claims for service connection for various conditions, including anxiety disorder, hemorrhoids, bilateral hearing loss, tinnitus, athlete's foot and toenail fungus, plantar fasciitis, sinus disability, high cholesterol, heart disability, back disability with sciatica, numbness of the right lower extremity, ruptured disc, neck injury, and left arm and shoulder disability. The Board found that there was no evidence to support these claims.

The Veteran is not rendered unable to obtain or maintain substantially gainful employment as a result of his service-connected disabilities.