Tinnitus (ringing in the ears) decisions — 2012

The Board has determined that service connection is not warranted for chronic tinnitus, as the Veteran's hearing loss disability was not manifested during active service or at any time thereafter. The Veteran's right ear hearing loss disability did not meet VA criteria for a compensable disability.

The Board has determined that the grant of service connection for tinnitus was clearly and unmistakably erroneous, leading to its severance. The Veteran's hearing loss claim is addressed but no rating assigned as it is not a primary issue in this decision.

The Veteran's claims for service connection are being remanded due to the need for additional development, including VA examinations and obtaining treatment records.

The Veteran's appeal for higher ratings on his service-connected tinnitus, left ear hearing loss, PTSD, and lumbar spine disability claims has been denied. The maximum schedular evaluation of 10 percent is assigned for each condition.

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

The Veteran's service-connected disabilities are of such severity to preclude him from obtaining or maintaining substantially gainful employment, warranting a total disability rating based on individual unemployability.

The Board finds that the Veteran's tinnitus had its onset in active service and grants service connection for tinnitus.

The Board has determined that further development is needed to determine the nature and etiology of the Veteran's hearing loss and tinnitus, including obtaining service treatment records from his National Guard service.

The Veteran's tinnitus is related to his in-service noise exposure, and the Board finds service connection for this condition.

The Veteran's initial claim for a higher rating for his left knee DJD was denied. The appeal is not about service connection at all, as it concerns the assignment of a prospective post-convalescence rating.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's tinnitus was incurred during active military service, granting service connection for this condition.

The Veteran's service-connected hearing loss and tinnitus are of such severity to preclude him from obtaining or maintaining substantially gainful employment, warranting a total disability rating based on individual unemployability.

The Veteran's tinnitus and right knee disability are being remanded for additional development as the VA examination is inadequate. The Board will consider all evidence, including the Veteran's lay statements, to determine if service connection can be granted.

The Board has determined that the Veteran does not have a current hearing loss or tinnitus disorder related to his military service, and there is insufficient evidence to establish a connection between his hypertension, heart disease, and erectile dysfunction with his military service.

The Veteran is seeking a TDIU based on his service-connected bilateral hearing loss and tinnitus. The case has been remanded for additional development, including obtaining records from the VA audiologist who provided an opinion regarding the Veteran's employability.

The Board has remanded the Veteran's claims due to his request for a hearing before a local RO member. The claims are now pending with the St. Petersburg, Florida, RO.

The Board denied reopening the claim for service connection for hearing loss and denied service connection for tinnitus and hepatitis C. The Veteran's application to reopen his claim was not timely, as he did not appeal the July 2006 rating decision.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's current bilateral hearing loss and tinnitus are associated with his in-service noise exposure, and thus service connection is granted.

The Veteran's service-connected tinnitus and bilateral hearing loss alone do not render him unemployable due to their effects on his ability to perform nursing duties.

The Board finds that the Veteran's tinnitus is likely due to his service-connected bilateral sensorineural hearing disability, and grants service connection for this condition.