Tinnitus (ringing in the ears) decisions — 2014

The Board found that the Veteran's tinnitus did not meet the criteria for service connection as it was not incurred in or aggravated by his military service, and is not proximately due to a service-connected disability.

The Veteran's tinnitus is found to be etiologically related to service, and the claim for service connection is granted.

The Veteran's appeal for increased ratings and service connection was denied. The Board found that the evidence did not support an increase in disability rating for PTSD prior to October 17, 2011 or a grant of service connection for tinnitus.

The Board has determined that the Veteran does not have a current disability of bilateral hearing loss or tinnitus, as defined by VA regulations. Therefore, service connection for these conditions is denied.

The Veteran's claims for service connection are being remanded due to the need for additional development, including VA examinations and an addendum opinion regarding his hearing loss, tinnitus, peripheral neuropathy, and skin condition.

The Veteran's service-connected disabilities do not meet the criteria for SMC based on need for regular aid and attendance, nor does he qualify for specially adapted housing or special home adaptation assistance.

The Board has decided to remand the case for additional development, including a new VA examination and interpretation of audiograms from 1972. The Veteran's claims for bilateral hearing loss and tinnitus will be reconsidered based on this additional information.

The Board found no evidence of in-service hearing loss or tinnitus, and the VA examiner concluded that any current hearing loss is not related to service. The appellant's lay statements were considered but did not outweigh the expert opinion.

The Board has determined that a remand is necessary to obtain an addendum opinion regarding the direct aspect of the Veteran's service connection claim and to provide proper VCAA notice regarding the secondary aspect of his claim. The Veteran will be given an opportunity to identify or submit any treatment records addressing the etiology of his tinnitus, including any relationship between such disorder and his service-connected hypertension.

The Veteran's hearing loss and tinnitus are being remanded for further examination to determine their etiology, as the current VA examination report is inadequate.

The Veteran's service connection claims for bilateral hearing loss, tinnitus, and a psychiatric disability (including depression, anxiety, and PTSD) have been granted. The decision also notes that the Veteran's presence in Japan during a riot following his service has not been verified.

The Board found that the Veteran's current bilateral hearing loss and tinnitus disabilities are not related to his military service, as there is no evidence of in-service injury or noise exposure. The VA examiner opined that any current hearing loss and tinnitus were less likely caused by military noise exposure.

The Board has remanded the case due to the Veteran's request for a hearing before the Board of Veterans' Appeals.

The Veteran's bilateral hearing loss and tinnitus are related to his active service, including exposure to hazardous noise levels as an aviation structural mechanic. Service connection is granted for both conditions.

The Board has remanded the case due to the Veteran's request for a Travel Board hearing. The appeal is not ready for appellate review until this issue is resolved.

The Board has determined that the claim for service connection for diabetes mellitus cannot be granted as there is no evidence of in-service onset or aggravation. The claims for tinnitus and bilateral hearing loss disability are remanded to obtain a VA examination.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's tinnitus is related to his active military service and grants service connection for this condition. The issue of hearing loss remains pending as it was not addressed in the remand.

The VA determined that the Veteran's tinnitus did not have its onset during service and is not related to any in-service noise exposure. The Board found no credible evidence of continuity of symptoms since service.

The Veteran's service-connected bilateral hearing loss disability and tinnitus are confirmed, with the Board finding that these conditions are due to acoustic trauma incurred in service.

The Board has granted the reopening of the claim for service connection for tinnitus and determined that new evidence supports a finding that the Veteran's current tinnitus is related to in-service noise exposure. The issue of an increased rating for anxiety disorder remains pending.