Tinnitus (ringing in the ears) decisions — 2012

The Board has denied the Veteran's claims for service connection for tinnitus and an initial compensable evaluation for bilateral hearing loss, finding that there is no evidence of a chronic disability present since service or any link between current symptoms and military noise exposure.

The Veteran's claim for earlier effective dates was denied as his application for benefits was received by VA on January 18, 2007, which is the date he contacted the Disabled American Veterans (DAV) office. The one-year deadline for filing a claim after separation from service has expired.

The Board has determined that additional development is needed, including obtaining VA medical records and scheduling the Veteran for an audiology examination. The claims will be readjudicated after these actions.

The Veteran's tinnitus was not incurred in or aggravated by service, as there is no evidence of tinnitus during service and the VA examiner opined that it is less likely than not caused by noise exposure during service. The Veteran reported various post-service noise exposures which are more significant in time than any occupational noise exposure during service.

The Board found that the Veteran's tinnitus is related to noise exposure during service, specifically combat exposure in Vietnam. As a result, the claim of service connection for tinnitus was granted.

The Veteran has withdrawn his appeals regarding the issues of service connection for bilateral hearing loss and tinnitus, as well as an increased rating for PTSD with depression. The appeal is dismissed without prejudice.

The Veteran's service-connected disabilities do not render him in need of the regular aid and attendance of another person or confined to his home, thus denying entitlement to special monthly compensation based on the need for aid and attendance or at the housebound rate.

The Board found that the Veteran's hearing loss and tinnitus are not related to his active service, including any in-service noise exposure and acoustic trauma. The appeal is denied.

The Board has denied the Veteran's claims for service connection for tinnitus, as well as his initial noncompensable ratings for tension headaches and post operative hemorrhoids. The appeals are now remanded to obtain additional evidence and conduct further examinations.

The Veteran's TDIU claim was granted effective May 7, 2010. The Board previously denied the claim prior to this date.

The Board has remanded the case for additional development, including obtaining SSA records and supplemental statements of the case with respect to any new evidence received since the last SSOC.

The Board has found that the Veteran's current bilateral hearing loss and tinnitus are more likely than not due to noise exposure during his military service. The case is being remanded for further development regarding the claim of service connection for tinnitus.

The Veteran is found to have a current disability manifested by bilateral hearing loss that had its clinical onset during service due to exposure to excessive noise levels. The Board finds the evidence in relative equipoise, granting service connection for this condition.

The Veteran's appeal is being remanded for additional development, including obtaining medical records and providing VA examinations to address the nature of his hearing loss disability, hypertension, erectile dysfunction, and service connection claims.

The Veteran's bilateral hearing loss and tinnitus have been granted service connection, with a 10% disability rating for his bilateral hearing loss.

The Veteran has been granted service connection for tinnitus, headaches, and degenerative joint disease of the right knee. The Board found that these conditions are related to his military service.,Service connection was also granted for degenerative joint disease of the left knee due to its onset during active service.

The Veteran's claims for service connection were denied as her claimed conditions are not shown to be related to military service or any disease or injury of service origin.

The Veteran's service-connected disabilities render him unable to tend to the basic functions of self-care without regular assistance from another person and he is in need of aid and attendance.

The Board has granted service connection for bilateral hearing loss and tinnitus, finding that the current conditions are likely due to noise exposure during service in the Republic of Vietnam.

The Board found that the Veteran's current bilateral hearing impairment and tinnitus were not incurred or aggravated by his period of active military service, nor could they be presumed to have been incurred therein. The evidence did not establish a nexus between the Veteran's current conditions and his military service.