Tinnitus (ringing in the ears) decisions — 2013

The Veteran's claims for service connection for bilateral hearing loss, tinnitus, and a chronic cough were denied as there is no evidence of current disabilities meeting the criteria for VA compensation purposes. The Board found that any complaints or diagnoses regarding these conditions during service did not meet the requirements for service connection.

The Veteran's service-connected disabilities render him unable to secure or follow a substantially gainful occupation, warranting a TDIU on an extra-schedular basis.

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

The Veteran's claims for service connection for degenerative disc disease of the lumbosacral spine, bilateral hearing loss, and tinnitus were denied as there is no evidence that these conditions are related to his military service. The claim for residuals of asbestos exposure was not addressed due to lack of a diagnosis.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's current bilateral hearing loss and tinnitus are related to his military service, specifically noise exposure. As a result, the claims for service connection for these conditions have been granted.

The Board has determined that the Veteran does not have current bilateral hearing loss or tinnitus related to his military service and therefore denied both claims.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's current constant bilateral tinnitus is likely due to noise exposure during service, and thus grants service connection for this condition. The remaining issues of service connection for PTSD and residuals of a cold weather injury are remanded for further development.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's current bilateral hearing loss and tinnitus began during or resulted from service, granting his claims for service connection.

The Veteran's claim for service connection for tinnitus, as secondary to his service-connected left ear hearing loss, is being remanded due to the need for a new VA medical opinion and proper VCAA notice.

The Veteran's tinnitus is not related to his military service, and the Board finds that it was more likely caused by occupational noise exposure after service.

The Board has remanded the Veteran's claims for additional development due to incomplete service records and need for a supplemental opinion regarding his hearing loss and tinnitus.

The Board denied service connection for the cause of the Veteran's death, finding that neither a disability shown in service nor a service-connected disability caused or contributed to his demise.

The Board has ordered additional development to determine if the Veteran's current hearing loss and tinnitus are related to his period of service. The case will be remanded for further review by a VA examiner.

The Veteran's tinnitus is found to be the result of disease or injury incurred in or aggravated by active military service, and thus service connection is granted.

The Veteran's claims for service connection for bilateral hearing loss, tinnitus, and hypertension due to Agent Orange exposure are denied. The claim for malaria is also denied.,The Veteran's PTSD disability rating remains at 50 percent, but he is not entitled to a higher evaluation. His malaria condition does not warrant an initial compensable evaluation.,Regarding TDIU, the Board finds that there is no evidence of unemployability due to service-connected disabilities.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's currently shown bilateral hearing loss and tinnitus did not initially manifest during service or for many years thereafter, and no medical nexus linking acoustic trauma during service to these conditions was established. As a result, the claim for service connection is denied.

The Board found that the Veteran's sensorineural hearing loss and tinnitus are not related to his service, including any noise exposure during service.

The Veteran's service-connected disabilities render him unemployable, and the Board grants a TDIU.

The Board found that the Veteran's pre-existing bilateral hearing loss and tinnitus did not worsen during service, and thus denied claims for service connection.

The Board has determined that additional development is needed to adjudicate the Veteran's claims for service connection for hearing loss and tinnitus. The case is REMANDED for a VA audiological examination, medical records review, and an opinion regarding whether the Veteran's current hearing loss and tinnitus are related to his military service.