Tinnitus (ringing in the ears) decisions — 2013

The Veteran's appeal was granted, with a noncompensable rating for bilateral hearing loss. Service connection for tinnitus was also granted.

The Board has remanded the case due to incomplete service records and the need for additional medical opinions regarding the Veteran's claims. The Veteran is not granted any benefits at this time.

The Veteran's claim for a TDIU is being remanded due to the need for further development, including an examination and completion of VA Form 21-8940.

The Veteran's current tinnitus first manifested during his service and is the result of noise exposure. The Board finds that the Veteran's claim for service connection for tinnitus is granted.

The Veteran's appeal is being remanded to obtain additional medical opinions and records, as well as to provide the Veteran with proper VCAA notice regarding his secondary service connection claim for alcoholism.

The Veteran's service-connected disabilities do not meet the criteria for SMC based on need for aid and attendance or housebound status.

The Veteran's service-connected disabilities prevent him from securing and following a substantially gainful occupation.

The Board has granted service connection for tinnitus and found that the Veteran's current ringing in his ears is related to his service. The other issues on appeal are addressed below.

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 Veteran's bilateral hearing loss and tinnitus were incurred in service, meeting the criteria for service connection.

The Veteran's tinnitus was found to have manifested as a result of his active military service, and the Board granted service connection for this condition.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's bilateral hearing loss and tinnitus are related to his military noise exposure, and thus grants service connection for these conditions.

The Veteran's claim for service connection for bilateral hearing loss disability is being remanded due to the need for a new VA examination. The relationship between tinnitus and hearing loss, as well as the etiology of the hearing loss itself, will be addressed in this examination.

The Board has determined that a new VA audiological examination is necessary to fully address the Veteran's claims for service connection for bilateral hearing loss and tinnitus.

The Veteran's appeal is being remanded for additional development, including obtaining SSA records and VA treatment records, scheduling a skin examination to determine if any current skin disorder is related to in-service exposure to chemicals, and scheduling an audiological examination to assess the nature and etiology of hearing loss and tinnitus.

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

The Board has granted service connection for tinnitus and assigned a 70 percent rating for PTSD, effective June 14, 2005. The Veteran's appeal remains before the Board regarding an initial rating in excess of 70 percent for PTSD.

The Veteran's tinnitus claim was denied because he did not report for a VA audiology examination. The Board is remanding the case to reschedule the examination and obtain his service treatment records.

The most probative evidence does not demonstrate that the Veteran's service-connected disabilities preclude him from securing or following a substantially gainful occupation.

The Board has determined that additional development is needed, including an addendum opinion from the VA examiner to address the Veteran's hearing loss and tinnitus claims. The case will be returned for further review.