Tinnitus (ringing in the ears) decisions — 2013

The Veteran's claims for service connection for bilateral hearing loss, tinnitus, and Meniere's disease are being remanded due to the inextricability of these issues. The RO/AMC will address the claim for service connection for Meniere's disease first, followed by a re-evaluation of the claims for hearing loss and tinnitus.

The Veteran's claim for a TDIU is being remanded due to the need for additional development, including obtaining updated VA and private treatment records, as well as scheduling a new VA Social and Industrial Survey.

The Board found that the Veteran's tinnitus did not have a direct relationship to his military service and was more likely related to post-service noise exposure. The claim for an acquired psychiatric disorder is addressed in the REMAND portion of this decision.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's tinnitus is a result of exposure to loud noises during active duty, and as he served in combat, his statements are accepted as sufficient proof of service connection. The claim for service connection for tinnitus is therefore granted.

The Veteran's appeal is remanded due to the need for additional medical evaluations and records, as well as further consideration of his claims.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's tinnitus is not related to his active duty service and therefore denied his claim for service connection.

The Veteran's service connection claims for bilateral hearing loss and tinnitus have been granted. The claim for an increased rating for right shoulder degenerative joint disease, status post arthroscopy from June 24, 2008 to April 6, 2009 has also been granted.

The Board has determined that additional development is needed to address the Veteran's claims for service connection for tinnitus and residuals of a left ankle injury. The VA examiners are requested to provide opinions on whether these conditions are related to military service.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's current bilateral hearing loss and tinnitus are not related to his active service, including noise exposure. The VA examiner found no evidence of a nexus between the Veteran's in-service noise exposure and his current hearing loss.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's current bilateral hearing loss and tinnitus disabilities did not have onset during service, were not caused by active service, and did not manifest within one year of separation from active service. Therefore, the claims for service connection are denied.

The Board has granted the Veteran's claim of service connection for tinnitus, finding that there is a link between his current tinnitus and in-service noise exposure. The appeal was reopened due to new evidence provided by the Veteran.

The Board found no evidence of a current hearing loss disability meeting VA criteria and denied service connection for bilateral hearing loss. For tinnitus, the Veteran's testimony regarding in-service noise exposure was not supported by medical records or audiometric test results, leading to denial of service connection.

The Veteran's claims of service connection for bilateral hearing loss and tinnitus have been reopened, but the Board has not yet determined whether they are well-grounded. The case is being remanded to obtain an opinion from a VA otologist regarding the nature and etiology of his mixed hearing loss and tinnitus.

The Veteran's recurrent bilateral tinnitus is found to have had its clinical onset in service and the Board grants service connection for this condition.

The Board found that the Veteran's bilateral hearing loss disability and tinnitus were not incurred in or aggravated by service, as there was no evidence of a nexus between his current disabilities and his military service. The preponderance of the evidence supported the denial.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's bilateral hearing loss and tinnitus did not begin in service or within one year of separation from active duty, and are not related to his military service. Therefore, the claims for service connection have been denied.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's bilateral hearing loss and left ear tinnitus are related to his military service, while right ear hearing loss is not. The claim for right ear hearing loss is denied.

The Board found that the Veteran's current bilateral hearing loss disability and tinnitus are not related to his military service, as there was no evidence of in-service noise exposure or injury. The VA examiner concluded that the disabilities were more likely due to civilian occupational noise exposure.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's tinnitus is related to his military service and granted service connection for this condition. The claim of service connection for bilateral hearing loss remains pending.

The Veteran's service connection claim for recurrent tinnitus is granted as the Board finds that his current condition is related to his active military service.