Tinnitus (ringing in the ears) decisions — 2012

The Veteran's contact dermatitis has been rated at 60 percent from June 21, 2006 to July 11, 2007.,From July 12, 2007 onwards, the Veteran is not entitled to a higher rating for his contact dermatitis.

The Veteran's appeal is being remanded for additional development to ensure a complete record, including obtaining service personnel records and an addendum opinion from the November 2008 VA examiner regarding his hearing loss and tinnitus.

The Board found no evidence of a current bilateral hearing loss disability, tinnitus, or perforated ear drums or residuals thereof that is related to service. The Veteran's current conditions are attributed to occupational and recreational noise exposure.

The Board has determined that new and material evidence was submitted to reopen the claims for service connection for bilateral hearing loss and tinnitus, and as a result, these conditions are now considered service-connected.

The Board has determined that the Veteran does not have service connection for hearing loss or tinnitus, as there is no medical evidence linking these conditions to his military service. The VA examiner concluded it was less likely than not that any current hearing loss or tinnitus were related to in-service noise exposure.

The Board has determined that the Veteran does not have hearing loss or tinnitus that is attributable to active military service. The Veteran's tinnitus, however, is likely related to noise exposure in service.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's current bilateral hearing loss and tinnitus disabilities are related to his active duty military service, granting both claims.

Service connection granted for PTSD with an initial evaluation of 50 percent and effective from November 19, 2007. Effective dates denied for tinnitus, bilateral hearing loss, and erectile dysfunction.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's bilateral hearing loss and tinnitus are related to his active duty service, granting his claims for these conditions.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's current tinnitus is not related to his active military service.

The Board has determined that new and material evidence has been received to reopen the Veteran's claims for service connection for bilateral hearing loss and tinnitus. Resolving reasonable doubt in favor of the Veteran, it is as likely as not that his current bilateral hearing loss and tinnitus are related to his military service.

The Board has reopened the claim of service connection for bilateral hearing loss and granted it. The Veteran's current bilateral hearing loss disability is presumed to have been incurred in service due to exposure to noise during his period of active duty, which falls under the Gulf War presumption.

The Board finds that the Veteran's service-connected orthopedic disabilities have met the schedular criteria for TDIU throughout the pendency of this appeal, and therefore grants entitlement to a total disability rating based on individual unemployability.

The Veteran's service connection claims for bilateral hearing loss and tinnitus have been denied as there is no competent evidence linking these conditions to his military service.

The Veteran's claim for service connection for tinnitus was granted, as it is at least as likely as not incurred in service due to noise exposure. The claims for higher initial ratings for PTSD and bilateral hearing loss are remanded.

The Veteran withdrew his appeal, resulting in the dismissal of the case.

The Board finds that the Veteran's current bilateral hearing loss and tinnitus are not related to his service, including noise exposure. The Veteran's claims for service connection for these conditions are denied.

The Board denied the Veteran's claims for service connection for bilateral hearing loss, tinnitus, left thigh pain, right ankle pain (due to gout), and left ankle pain (due to gout) as well as obstructive sleep apnea. The Board found no in-service occurrence or aggravation of a disease or injury related to these conditions, and the Veteran's current disabilities do not meet the criteria for service connection.

The Veteran's service-connected disabilities, while disabling, do not render him unable to secure and follow substantially gainful employment.

The Board finds that the Veteran's current bilateral hearing loss and tinnitus are not related to his active service, including exposure to noise during service. The evidence does not establish a nexus between any current disability and service.