Tinnitus (ringing in the ears) decisions — 2013

The Board has denied the Veteran's claims for service connection for tinnitus and a right knee disability. The claim for tinnitus was denied due to lack of credible evidence linking current tinnitus to in-service noise exposure, while the claim for a right knee disability is pending as it was remanded.

The Board has determined that additional medical opinions are needed to address the Veteran's claims for bilateral hearing loss and tinnitus, as the current examination report may not provide a fully reasoned explanation regarding the etiology of these conditions. The case is therefore being remanded for further development.

The claims of service connection for hearing loss, tinnitus, hypertension, kidney cancer, bilateral hand tremors, and right great toe injury are being remanded due to procedural deficiencies in the prior rating decisions. The Veteran will be provided with VCAA notice regarding these issues.

The Veteran's hearing loss and tinnitus are being remanded for further development, including an addendum to the November 2009 VA examination opinion. The issues of service connection will be reconsidered based on the additional evidence.

The Veteran's tinnitus is found to have had its onset during his period of active service, and the Board grants service connection for this condition.

The Board has determined that a remand is necessary to obtain an adequate medical opinion regarding the etiology of the Veteran's current bilateral hearing loss and tinnitus, as the previous VA examination did not address whether these conditions are related to service.

The Veteran's tinnitus was found to have its onset in service and is therefore granted as service connected.

The Veteran's claim for service connection for bilateral hearing loss and tinnitus is being remanded due to the need for a VA audiological examination.

The Veteran's appeal is remanded due to the need for additional development, including obtaining VA outpatient treatment records and a VA opinion on his ability to work.

The Veteran's current tinnitus, which originated in service, is related to his military service and the Board grants service connection for tinnitus.

The Board has determined that the RO improperly calculated the appellant's combined disability rating and has remanded the case for further action.

The Board has remanded the case for further development due to inadequate opinions regarding the etiology of the Veteran's tinnitus.

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

The Veteran's service-connected hearing loss and tinnitus have rendered him unable to secure or follow a substantially gainful occupation, as they prevent him from engaging in employment that would be suitable for his education and experience.

The Board finds that the Veteran's current bilateral hearing loss and tinnitus are related to his active service, including exposure to noise during his job as an aircraft mechanic. The criteria for service connection have been met.

The Veteran has withdrawn his appeals for all issues except for the initial evaluation higher than 10 percent for hypertension. As a result, these claims are dismissed.

The Veteran's appeal for service connection for bilateral hearing loss and tinnitus is being remanded due to incomplete development of the claims file, including a need for another VA audiological examination.

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

The Veteran's claims for bilateral hearing loss and tinnitus are being remanded due to the need for additional development of his VA treatment records, including those from July 2007 to March 2012. The case will be reviewed again after these records have been obtained.

The Veteran's appeal has been withdrawn, and the case is dismissed.