Tinnitus (ringing in the ears) decisions — 2012

The Board found that the Veteran's bilateral hearing loss and tinnitus were not incurred or aggravated by service, as they pre-existed service entry. The VA examiner concluded that the Veteran's current hearing loss and tinnitus are more likely due to occupational and recreational noise exposure prior to and after military service.

The Board has granted service connection for PTSD, but denied the claims for hearing loss, tinnitus, and right shoulder disability. The Veteran's PTSD is linked to his in-service combat experience.

The Board denied the Veteran's claims for service connection for bilateral hearing loss and tinnitus, finding no evidence of a nexus between these conditions and his military service.

The Board denied the Veteran's claims for TDIU prior to March 11, 2009 and special monthly compensation based on need for regular aid and attendance or by reason of being housebound. The case is REMANDED for further development.

The Board has determined that proper VCAA notice was not provided to the appellant regarding her claim for service connection for the cause of the Veteran's death. The case is being remanded to provide this necessary notice.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's tinnitus had its onset during his active duty service and is related to such, granting service connection for tinnitus.

The Board has determined that new and material evidence has been submitted to reopen the claim for service connection for bilateral hearing loss. The claim for service connection for tinnitus is being remanded due to a lack of sufficient information.

The Board denied the Veteran's claim for service connection for tinnitus as a residual of head trauma.

The Board found that the Veteran's tinnitus did not have its onset in service and is not related to his military service, including exposure to noise. The claim for service connection was denied.

The Veteran's appeals for increased ratings were withdrawn, and his left knee disorder was rated at 30 percent effective January 1, 2010. The rating includes limitation of extension to 30 degrees and instability from January 1, 2010.

The Board has remanded the case for additional development due to incomplete VA treatment records, including a December 2001 audiological consultation.

The Board has remanded the Veteran's claim of tinnitus due to a lack of frequency-specific hearing testing from his time in service, and the need for further clarification on etiology.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's current bilateral hearing loss and tinnitus are related to exposure to loud noises in service, granting service connection for these disabilities.

The Veteran's tinnitus disability is found to be related to exposure to loud noise during service, and the claim for service connection is granted.

The Board finds that tinnitus was incurred as a result of service, raising reasonable doubt and granting the Veteran's claim.

The Board has determined that additional development is needed to address the Veteran's claims for service connection, particularly regarding his tinnitus and Meniere's disease. The VA medical opinions are inadequate due to lack of post-service medical records prior to 1985.

The Board has reopened the claims for service connection for bilateral hearing loss and tinnitus, finding new and material evidence. The appellant's in-service acoustic trauma is established, as are his current symptoms of bilateral hearing loss and tinnitus. Service connection is granted.

The Veteran's service-connected PTSD has been rated at 50 percent from December 30, 2005 to February 26, 2009 and at 70 percent from February 26, 2009 onward. The effective date is not specified.

The Board has granted service connection for bilateral hearing loss and tinnitus, finding that the Veteran's current conditions are related to his military service.

The Board finds that service connection for tinnitus is granted because the evidence shows it is at least as likely as not related to acoustic trauma during the Veteran's service.