Tinnitus (ringing in the ears) decisions — 2013

The Board found that the Veteran's tinnitus did not develop during service and is not related to any in-service noise exposure. As a result, the claim for service connection for tinnitus was denied.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's left ear hearing loss and right ear hearing loss are service-connected due to aggravation during active duty, while tinnitus is also service-connected.

The Board has remanded the case due to the need for additional development, including a VA audiometric examination.

The Veteran's claim for service connection for PTSD, bilateral hearing loss disability, and tinnitus was granted as the evidence supported these conditions were related to his military service.

The Veteran is seeking service connection for bilateral hearing loss and tinnitus. The VA examiner could not provide a clear opinion without resorting to speculation, as there was no significant upward shift in tested hearing thresholds during service or any inservice diagnoses of hearing loss or tinnitus.

The Veteran's appeal is being remanded due to the need for a Travel Board hearing. The issues of entitlement to service connection for bilateral hearing loss and tinnitus remain pending.

The Veteran's appeal for a compensable evaluation of 40 percent under 38 U.S.C.A. § 1151 for DDD of the lumbar spine with right lower extremity radiculopathy effective from July 10, 2007 has been dismissed due to withdrawal.,The Veteran's claim for SMC based on need for regular aid and attendance is granted.

The Board has determined that additional development is needed to determine if the Veteran's current bilateral hearing loss and tinnitus are related to his military service, including noise exposure during flight operations aboard an aircraft carrier.

The Veteran's service-connected bilateral hearing loss and tinnitus prevent him from securing or following a substantially gainful occupation, as they make it impossible for the average person to follow such an occupation.

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

The Veteran's claim for a total disability rating based on individual unemployability (TDIU) is being remanded due to the need for further development and consideration of his service-connected disabilities in combination, not just individually.

The Veteran's bilateral hearing loss disability is currently rated at 20 percent, and the Board finds that his service-connected disabilities do not meet the criteria for a TDIU on an extraschedular basis.

The Board has dismissed the appeal due to a withdrawal by the appellant.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's tinnitus is not related to his service-connected diabetes mellitus and therefore, service connection for tinnitus secondary to diabetes is denied.

The Board has ordered a remand to obtain updated VA treatment records and schedule the Veteran for an appropriate VA examination to assess his ability to secure or follow substantially gainful employment due to his service-connected disabilities.

The Board found no credible evidence of tinnitus during service or for many years thereafter, and the probative medical evidence is against a link between the Veteran's current tinnitus and his active military service.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's tinnitus is a result of his period of active service and grants the claim for service connection.

The Board has granted the Veteran's claims for service connection for bilateral hearing loss, tinnitus, and migraine headaches. The claim for a back disorder is being remanded.

The Board has granted service connection for bilateral tinnitus, finding that the Veteran's tinnitus had its onset during combat service in Vietnam and is presumed to have occurred due to acoustic trauma.

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