Tinnitus (ringing in the ears) decisions — 2012

The Board has determined that a VA examination is necessary to determine the etiology of the Veteran's bilateral hearing loss and tinnitus, as these conditions may be related to in-service noise exposure. The RO will arrange for such an examination.

The Veteran is seeking service connection for bilateral hearing loss and tinnitus, which he attributes to noise exposure during military service. The Board has determined that a VA examination is needed to determine the nature and etiology of these conditions.

The Board denied the Veteran's claims for service connection for cognitive disorder, tinnitus, headaches, and an acquired psychiatric disorder (other than PTSD), finding that there was no evidence to support these claims.

The Board has granted the appellant's claims for service connection for posttraumatic stress disorder and tinnitus, finding that these conditions were incurred during his military service. The other issues related to esophageal ulcer, duodenal condition, hypertension, dermatitis, bilateral hearing loss, and fatigue have been withdrawn by the appellant.

The Board has determined that a new examination is necessary to determine the current nature of the Veteran's bilateral hearing loss and tinnitus, and whether any hearing loss disability and tinnitus are possibly related to service, including in-service noise exposure from his MOS as a light weapons infantry crewman (rifle fire, machine gun fire, howitzer fire and blasts, and .45 caliber pistol fire).

The Veteran's service-connected disabilities, including bilateral knee osteoarthritis and hearing loss, do not render him unemployable as he is still capable of performing sedentary work.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's chronic tinnitus is etiologically related to his active service, and thus grants service connection for this condition.

The Veteran's appeal is being remanded due to his request for a Board hearing. The case will be scheduled for a video conference hearing at the RO before a Veterans Law Judge as soon as possible.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's bilateral hearing loss and tinnitus are related to in-service noise exposure, resulting in a grant of service connection for both conditions.

The Board finds that the Veteran does not have a hearing loss disability of the right ear as defined by VA regulations. The claim for service connection for tinnitus is granted.

The Board finds that the Veteran's tinnitus is likely related to his period of service, and grants service connection for this condition. Service connection for bilateral hearing loss is denied.

The Veteran's claim for a TDIU is being remanded due to the need for additional development, including obtaining VA treatment records and scheduling an appropriate VA examination.

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

The Board has determined that the Veteran's tinnitus is at least as likely as not related to service, and his bilateral hearing loss is less likely than not related to service.

The Veteran's claims for service connection for bilateral hearing loss and tinnitus have been remanded due to the need for clarification of the VA examiner's opinion regarding the etiology of his hearing loss and tinnitus. The claims will be reviewed again based on the provided evidence.

The Board found that the Veteran's current bilateral hearing loss and tinnitus are not related to his military service, as there is no evidence of in-service noise exposure or injury. The VA examiner concluded it was less than 50% likely that his hearing loss disability or tinnitus could be attributed to service.

The Board denied the Veteran's claims for various disabilities, including depression, a neck scar, Meniere's disease, and bilateral leg paralysis. The new and material evidence claims were also denied.

The Board found that the Veteran's bilateral hearing loss and tinnitus did not have their onset in active service, nor are they causally related to active service. As a result, the claims for service connection were denied.

The Veteran's appeal is being remanded for additional development, including a new VA examination and consideration of the submitted medical records.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's bilateral hearing loss and tinnitus are related to service, with doubt resolved in favor of the Veteran.