Tinnitus (ringing in the ears) decisions — 2013

The Veteran's claims for earlier effective dates for the grant of service connection for bilateral hearing loss and tinnitus are denied as there is no evidence indicating an intent to apply for these conditions prior to May 5, 2009.

The Board has determined that additional development is needed to determine the nature and etiology of the Veteran's bilateral hearing loss and tinnitus, including obtaining STRs and VA treatment records.

The Veteran's service-connected disabilities, including high frequency hearing loss, PTSD, neck scar, and tinnitus, do not render him unable to secure or follow substantially gainful employment. The Board finds that TDIU is denied.

The Veteran's appeal is being remanded for additional development, including obtaining VA treatment records and scheduling the Veteran for examinations to determine if he has residuals of cold weather injury to his bilateral lower extremities, bilateral hearing loss, and tinnitus. The claims will be readjudicated after these actions.

The Board has remanded the case for additional development, including obtaining VA treatment records and scheduling a VA examination to assess the Veteran's service-connected disabilities and their impact on his employability.

The Veteran's service-connected right ankle disorder, diabetes mellitus, and tinnitus have rendered him unable to secure or follow a substantially gainful occupation.

The Veteran's appeal is being remanded due to the need for additional development regarding his ability to secure and maintain gainful employment given his service-connected disabilities.

The Veteran's appeal seeking service connection for bilateral hearing loss is dismissed. The Board finds that the evidence supports the Veteran's claim of service connection for tinnitus.

The Board found that the Veteran does not have current hearing loss or tinnitus related to service, and denied both claims.

The Board has determined that a new VA examination is needed to properly adjudicate the appellant's claims for service connection for bilateral hearing loss and tinnitus, as the original opinion provided by the VA examiner was inadequate.

The Veteran's appeal is being remanded for additional development, including sending proper VCAA notice and obtaining treatment records. The VA will also schedule the Veteran for a VA examination to assess his current disabilities and their likely etiology.

The Board has determined that additional development is necessary prior to the adjudication of these claims due to missing VA treatment records and other relevant evidence.

The Veteran's tinnitus was found to be incurred in active service and granted service connection.

The Board found that the Veteran's bilateral hearing loss and tinnitus were not incurred in or aggravated by service. Bilateral hearing loss was not shown to have had onset during service, and service connection under presumptive provisions is not established. Tinnitus was also not shown to be related to service.

The Veteran was granted service connection for bilateral tinnitus as a result of exposure to acoustic trauma during active duty service.,The Veteran's claim for PTSD was reopened and granted effective from August 14, 2000.

The Board found that the Veteran's tinnitus is not related to military service and denied his claim for service connection.

The Board finds that the Veteran's current bilateral hearing loss and tinnitus are related to acoustic trauma during military service, warranting service connection for these conditions.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's service connection claims for bilateral hearing loss and tinnitus are granted, with the condition that monetary benefits will be subject to applicable regulations.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's bilateral hearing loss and tinnitus are related to his military service, with a threshold shift noted during service. The Veteran is granted service connection for these conditions.

The Board found that the Veteran's tinnitus began during his military service and granted service connection for this condition.