Tinnitus (ringing in the ears) decisions — 2013

The Board has determined that the Veteran's current bilateral sensorineural hearing loss and tinnitus are related to his military service, specifically the noise exposure he experienced during his active duty. As a result, the claim for service connection is granted.

The Board has remanded the case due to incomplete records and the need for additional development, including obtaining medical records from the Veteran's employer and any private treatment providers. The Veteran is asked to provide authorizations for VA to obtain these records.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's tinnitus is as likely the result of or associated with his service-connected noise-induced bilateral hearing loss, and thus grants service connection for tinnitus.

The Veteran's service-connected conditions render him unable to secure or maintain substantially gainful employment.

The Board found that the Veteran's left ear hearing loss was not incurred in or aggravated by service and denied his claim. The right ear hearing loss and tinnitus were also denied as there was no evidence of their onset during service or a link to service.

The Board finds that the Veteran does not have a current disability of bilateral hearing loss or tinnitus that is related to service. The VA examiner opined that his hearing loss and tinnitus are less likely than not due to service.

The Board finds that the Veteran's bilateral hearing loss and tinnitus are as likely as not due to noise exposure during his period of active service. Service connection for these conditions is granted.

The Veteran's appeal is being remanded for further examination and readjudication due to the need for updated medical records and an opinion regarding his ability to follow substantially gainful employment.

The Board has remanded the case for additional development, including obtaining VA treatment records and arranging for a VA examination to determine the nature and etiology of the Veteran's hearing loss, tinnitus, and flat feet.

The Board denied the Veteran's claims for service connection for bilateral hearing loss, tinnitus, a bilateral shin disability, and a skin disorder of the hands and feet.

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

The Board has determined that there is no probative evidence linking the Veteran's bilateral hearing loss and tinnitus to his military service, including noise exposure. The claims for service connection are therefore denied.

The Veteran's appeal is remanded for further evaluation and determination regarding the provision of additional payment for woodworking tools under a Department of Veterans Affairs independent living services program.

The Board has remanded the case due to incomplete examination reports and conflicting information regarding the Veteran's desire for a hearing. The initial disability rating claim remains in appellate status.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's tinnitus was incurred during active service and is granting service connection for this condition.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's tinnitus and bilateral hearing loss disability are related to his military service, with the VA examiner providing a detailed rationale for this conclusion.

The Veteran's appeal is being remanded to the Denver, Colorado RO for a videoconference hearing at the Cheyenne, Wyoming RO.

The Board denied the Veteran's claims of entitlement to service connection for left ear hearing loss and tinnitus, finding that there was no credible evidence showing these conditions began during or were otherwise related to his military service.

The Veteran's service-connected disabilities (bilateral hearing loss, tinnitus, and asthma) render him unable to secure or follow a substantially gainful occupation.

The Board found no evidence of a relationship between the Veteran's current right ear hearing loss and tinnitus, which meet the statutory threshold under 38 C.F.R. § 3.385, and his active duty service. The Veteran's claims for left ear hearing loss were not adjudicated as they are separate issues.