Tinnitus (ringing in the ears) decisions — 2012

The Board has remanded the Veteran's claims for increased rating, service connection, and TDIU due to new evidence received since previous denials. The case will be further developed with additional examinations and a determination on extraschedular ratings.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's preexisting right ear hearing loss was aggravated by service, and his left ear hearing loss began during service. The Veteran also had tinnitus that began in service.

The Board has remanded the case due to inaccuracies in the VA examination reports and a need for further medical evaluation.

The Veteran's appeal is being remanded for additional development, including obtaining medical records and scheduling a VA examination to determine if his current hearing loss and tinnitus are related to service.

The Board has granted service connection for bilateral tinnitus but denied the Veteran's claim for an effective date prior to December 8, 2009 for a grant of service connection for a lumbar spine disability.

The Board has ordered additional development to obtain audiograms and hearing conservation records from the Veteran's civilian employment with the United States Army. The case is now remanded for further consideration of the Veteran's claims of service connection for bilateral hearing loss and tinnitus.

The Veteran has withdrawn his appeals regarding the issues of entitlement to service connection for bilateral hearing loss and tinnitus. As a result, these cases are dismissed.

The Board has granted service connection for right ear hearing loss, tinnitus, a vestibular disorder manifested by dizziness, and headaches. The Veteran's preexisting conditions were aggravated during service.

The Board has dismissed the appeal due to the appellant's withdrawal of the appeal.

The Board has determined that new and material evidence has been submitted to reopen the Veteran's claims for service connection for tinnitus and bilateral hearing loss. The claim for tinnitus is granted as it is related to service, while the claim for bilateral hearing loss remains pending.

The Veteran's hearing loss disability and tinnitus were not shown in service or for many years after service, and any current conditions are unrelated to service.

The Board has granted the Veteran's claims for service connection for bilateral hearing loss and bilateral tinnitus, finding that these conditions are the result of in-service noise exposure.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's current bilateral hearing loss disability and tinnitus are related to his active duty military service, resolving all reasonable doubt in favor of the Veteran.

The Board denied the Veteran's claims for service connection for bilateral hearing loss disability and tinnitus, finding that new and material evidence was not received to reopen these previously denied claims.

The Veteran's appeal is being remanded for additional development, including a new examination and consideration of his tinnitus claim. The hepatitis C claim has been withdrawn.

The Board finds that the Veteran does not have a current bilateral hearing loss disability for VA purposes and is less than credible with regard to the onset of tinnitus. Therefore, service connection cannot be granted.

The Veteran's stomach/swallowing disability, including dysphagia with hiatal hernia, is service-connected. The claim for tinnitus is remanded to obtain a VA examination to determine if it is related to in-service noise exposure. Service connection is granted for the cervical spine, bilateral foot, right shoulder, and right hand disabilities based on evidence of current disability and in-service injury or symptomatology.

The Veteran's service-connected PTSD, rated at 70 percent disabling, meets the threshold requirement for special monthly compensation by reason of being housebound due to his TDIU status. He does not meet the criteria for aid and attendance benefits.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's current hearing loss and tinnitus are not related to his military service, as there is no evidence of in-service noise exposure or a chronic disability within one year post-service. The claims for service connection have been denied.

The Board has granted service connection for tinnitus, finding that the Veteran's tinnitus is related to his active duty service. The issue of hearing loss in either ear remains pending and will be remanded.