Tinnitus (ringing in the ears) decisions — 2013

The Veteran's VA compensation payments were properly discontinued during the period from August 15, 2001, to May 11, 2007, while he received active service pay. The appeal is denied as a matter of law.

The Board has granted service connection for tinnitus, finding that the Veteran's current tinnitus is likely due to noise exposure during his military service.

The Veteran's tinnitus was found to have manifested during service and is therefore granted service connection. The issue of a compensable rating for bilateral hearing loss is addressed in the REMAND portion.

The Board finds that there is no evidence to support a finding of service connection for the Veteran's acquired psychiatric disorder, bilateral hearing loss, tinnitus, or skin basal cell carcinoma of the forehead. The preponderance of the evidence is against these claims.

The Veteran's appeal is being remanded due to the need for additional medical opinions regarding his hearing loss, tinnitus, and back disability claims. The RO must ensure all relevant records are associated with the case file.

The Board has determined that the Veteran does not have current hearing loss or tinnitus disabilities and finds no in-service incurrence or aggravation of these conditions. As a result, service connection for both conditions is denied.

The Veteran withdrew his appeals regarding the claims of service connection for tinnitus and an initial compensable evaluation for erectile dysfunction prior to a decision being made by the Board.

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

The Board denied service connection for tinnitus and initial ratings in excess of 10 percent for right and left knee disorders. The claim of entitlement to service connection for fibromyalgia, secondary to a psychiatric disorder, is also denied.

The Board has determined that there is a need to obtain additional medical records and provide the Veteran with an opinion regarding the etiology of his hearing loss and tinnitus. The case will be remanded for these actions.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's current tinnitus is etiologically related to either in-service noise exposure or his service-connected fibromyalgia and/or mood disorder, and grants service connection for tinnitus.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's current bilateral hearing loss disability and tinnitus are at least as likely as not related to his in-service noise exposure, resulting in a grant of service connection for these conditions.

The Veteran's appeal is being remanded due to the need for a VA examination to assess the etiology of his tinnitus. The issue remains on hold until further notice.

The Veteran's service-connected disabilities do not render him unable to secure or follow a substantially gainful occupation.

The Board has determined that the Veteran does not have bilateral hearing loss or tinnitus that is causally related to service. Therefore, service connection for these conditions is denied.

The Veteran's service-connected bilateral hearing loss and tinnitus have been granted, with a 10 percent rating for both conditions effective April 27, 2009. A higher 50 percent rating has also been granted for the bilateral hearing loss as of November 23, 2011.

The Veteran's service-connected disabilities (bilateral hearing loss and tinnitus) do not render him unable to obtain or maintain substantially gainful employment, consistent with his background as a truck driver.

The Veteran's tinnitus preexisted his 1999 period of active duty, but was permanently aggravated therein. The Board has granted service connection for tinnitus on the basis of aggravation.

The Veteran's tinnitus is at least as likely as not related to service, and the Board has granted service connection for this condition.

The Veteran's service-connected disabilities (asbestosis, bilateral hearing loss, and tinnitus) have rendered him unemployable due to their severity. The Board has determined that he meets the criteria for a TDIU based on his education and occupational experience.