Tinnitus (ringing in the ears) decisions — 2013

The Veteran's appeal is being remanded due to the need for additional development regarding his service connection claims for bilateral hearing loss and tinnitus.

The Board has decided to reconsider the Veteran's previously denied claims for service connection for depression, anxiety, and a bilateral knee disorder. The new evidence submitted since the previous denial includes relevant official service department records not previously considered. As such, these claims are reopened. However, no new evidence was found that relates to an unestablished fact necessary to substantiate the claims for service connection for a lumbar spine disorder or tinnitus.

The Veteran's claims for service connection for bilateral hearing loss and tinnitus are being remanded due to the need for additional development of his claims, including an examination.

The Board has determined that additional development is needed to properly adjudicate the Veteran's claims for service connection for bilateral hearing loss and tinnitus. The case is being remanded to allow for an addendum opinion from a VA examiner.

The Veteran's skin condition and tinnitus were not incurred in service, including as a result of herbicide exposure. The Board found no evidence linking the current conditions to his military service.

The Board has determined, based upon the medical and satisfactory lay evidence that the Veteran's current tinnitus was incurred during his active service. The issue of bilateral hearing loss is remanded for further development.

The Veteran's service connection claim for bilateral hearing loss is denied as he does not have a current disability. Claims for increased evaluations and TDIU are remanded.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's bilateral hearing loss and tinnitus are related to his active duty service, while sleep apnea is not. The claims for bilateral hearing loss and tinnitus have been granted.

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

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

The Board has determined that the Veteran does not have a current hearing loss disability for VA purposes, and therefore cannot establish service connection for bilateral hearing loss.,Regarding tinnitus, the evidence does not show it began during or was otherwise caused by his military service.

The Veteran's bilateral hearing loss and tinnitus were caused by in-service noise exposure, and the Board has granted service connection for these conditions.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's bilateral hearing loss and tinnitus are related to his military service, specifically due to noise exposure during combat operations in Vietnam.

The Board has granted service connection for tinnitus, finding that the Veteran's in-service noise exposure resulted in current tinnitus. Service connection for bilateral hearing loss is remanded due to a lack of medical evidence on file.

The Veteran's service-connected disabilities, including degenerative disc and joint disease of the lumbar spine, hypertension, tinnitus, right wrist degenerative joint disease, bilateral plantar fasciitis, bilateral hearing loss, and a right wrist scar, are considered in determining whether he is unemployable due to his service-connected conditions.

The Veteran has withdrawn his appeals for the issues of service connection for bilateral hearing loss, tinnitus, and depression, as well as whether new and material evidence has been received to reopen the claim of entitlement to service connection for a schizoid and passive dependent personality disorder. As such, these claims are dismissed.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's claims for bilateral hearing loss and tinnitus are inextricably intertwined due to his reference to a 1968 civil service exam. The case is being remanded to obtain these records, as well as any other relevant information.

The Board denied the Veteran's claims for service connection for bilateral hearing loss and tinnitus, finding that there is no credible evidence linking these conditions to his military service.

The evidence does not support granting service connection for bilateral hearing loss or tinnitus, as the Appellant's claims are denied.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's tinnitus did not begin in service and is not related to his military noise exposure. The claim for service connection for tinnitus is denied.