Tinnitus (ringing in the ears) decisions — 2012

The Board has determined that the Veteran's tinnitus is related to his in-service combat-related acoustic trauma and grants service connection for this condition.

The Veteran's service-connected disabilities, including posttraumatic stress disorder and bilateral sensorineural hearing loss, have rendered him unable to secure or follow a substantially gainful occupation.

The Veteran's claims for bilateral hearing loss, tinnitus, and hypertension are being remanded due to the need for additional development of evidence.

The Board has determined that new and material evidence has been submitted to reopen the Veteran's claims for service connection for hearing loss and tinnitus. The Veteran served in an artillery unit, which exposed him to significant noise. His current bilateral sensorineural hearing loss is considered a result of his active duty service. Tinnitus was also found to be related to his hearing loss.

The Veteran's service-connected disabilities, including Scheuermann's disease with degenerative disc disease, GERD with hiatal hernia, bilateral hearing loss, mechanical episodic brachial plexus compression radiculopathy of the right upper extremity, mechanical episodic brachial plexus compression radiculopathy of the left upper extremity, and tinnitus, are found to be so disabling as to render him unable to care for his daily personal needs or protect himself from the hazards and dangers of daily living without regular aid and attendance. The Veteran's need for such aid is granted.

The Veteran's tinnitus was present in service and has continued since then, meeting the criteria for service connection.

The Board has determined that a VA examination and medical opinion are needed to determine the etiology of the Veteran's claimed bilateral hearing loss and tinnitus, as well as any outstanding treatment records need to be obtained.

The Board has remanded the case for additional development, including obtaining a VA examination and updating records from the Social Security Administration (SSA). The Veteran's claim of entitlement to TDIU is currently pending.

The Veteran's CAD, varicose veins, and pes planus are not service-connected. The Board finds that these conditions are secondary to his service-connected disability (bilateral pneumothorax).

The Veteran's appeal involves multiple issues including increased disability ratings and service connection claims. The case is being remanded for additional development, including obtaining Social Security Administration records, scheduling VA examinations, and ensuring the examination reports comply with the directives of this remand.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's current bilateral hearing loss and tinnitus are related to his period of service, granting service connection for both conditions.

The Board has found that the appellant's tinnitus is related to active duty service and granted entitlement to service connection for tinnitus. The skin disability claim remains pending as it does not involve a presumption of exposure or direct service connection.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's tinnitus is likely due to in-service noise exposure and grants service connection for this condition.

The Veteran's claim for service connection for tinnitus is being remanded due to procedural defects and the need for additional medical opinions.

The Veteran's claim for service connection for tinnitus is being remanded due to the need for additional records from his military service.

The Board has decided that the Veteran's claims for service connection for a psychiatric disorder, hearing loss, and tinnitus need further development due to conflicting statements about his military service and alleged stressors.

The Board has granted service connection for tinnitus and remanded the issue of service connection for an acquired psychiatric disorder. The Veteran's claim is pending.

The Board has denied the Veteran's claims for service connection for residuals of a head injury, hearing loss, tinnitus, and an acquired psychiatric disorder (to include PTSD).

The Board has reopened the Veteran's claims of service connection for tinnitus and bilateral hearing loss disability, finding that new and material evidence has been presented. The Veteran is presumed to have incurred these conditions during his active military service.

The VA examiner found that the Veteran's recurrent tinnitus is less likely than not related to his military service, as it began approximately 5-10 years after separation from service.