Tinnitus (ringing in the ears) decisions — 2014

The Board has determined that the Veteran's bilateral hearing loss disability and tinnitus are not related to service, as there is no evidence of in-service noise exposure or a nexus between current symptoms and active duty. The claims for service connection have been denied.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's current bilateral hearing loss and tinnitus disabilities are related to his military service, including noise exposure during active duty.

The Board found that the Veteran's preexisting left ear sensorineural hearing loss did not increase in severity during active service, and thus denied service connection for this condition.

The Veteran's claim for service connection for hearing loss was denied as he did not have a current disability that meets the regulatory requirements to constitute a disability for VA compensation purposes. The Board found that his tinnitus claim must be remanded due to insufficient evidence of nexus between in-service noise exposure and current symptoms.

The Board denied the Veteran's claims for earlier effective dates for a 10% rating for bilateral hearing loss and service connection for tinnitus, finding no evidence of intent to apply for these benefits prior to October 17, 2008.

The Veteran's claim for service connection for tinnitus has been granted. The issues of service connection for bilateral hearing loss, PTSD, and right shoulder osteoarthritis are still pending and require additional development.

The Board has determined that new and material evidence has been received to reopen the Veteran's claims for service connection for bilateral hearing loss and tinnitus. The Veteran was exposed to noise during his military service, which is presumed to have caused or aggravated his current hearing conditions.

The Veteran's service-connected prostate cancer and related incontinence residuals have effectively resulted in loss of both lower extremities such as to preclude locomotion without the aid of braces, crutches, canes, or a wheelchair. As such, he is entitled to specially adapted housing.

The Board found that the Veteran's hearing loss and tinnitus did not manifest during service or to a compensable degree within one year after discharge, and thus could not be presumed. The VA audiologist concluded that the current hearing loss is more likely due to occupational noise exposure and presbyacusis, while Mr. Lind opined it was at least as likely as not related to in-service noise exposure. For tinnitus, there was no service connection found.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's bilateral hearing loss and tinnitus are related to his military service, with all reasonable doubt resolved in favor of the Veteran.

The Board has determined that a remand is necessary to obtain an addendum opinion regarding the nature and etiology of the Veteran's right ear hearing loss and tinnitus, as well as to provide proper VCAA notice regarding the secondary aspect of his claim for service connection for tinnitus. Additionally, all outstanding treatment records from the Nashville VA Medical Center dated from October 2010 to the present should be obtained.

The Veteran's claim for a higher rating for his lumbar spine disability was granted. The claims for service connection for tinnitus and hearing loss were reopened based on new evidence submitted since the previous decisions.

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

The Veteran's service-connected disabilities, including bilateral hearing loss, adenocarcinoma (lobectomy), tinnitus, and a surgical scar from his thoracotomy, make it impossible for him to secure or follow a substantially gainful occupation. The Board finds that the evidence is in equipoise as to whether these conditions alone preclude employment.

The Veteran's appeal is being remanded for additional development, including VA examinations to assess his PTSD symptoms and employability.

The Board has granted service connection for tinnitus and finds that the Veteran's current bilateral hearing loss disability is related to his in-service noise exposure. The issue of entitlement to service connection for bilateral hearing loss remains pending.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's bilateral hearing loss and tinnitus are not service-connected, as there is no evidence of a nexus between his current conditions and his military service.

The Veteran's bilateral hearing loss and tinnitus are found to be related to his service-connected diabetes mellitus type II, with unstable blood sugar, and hypertension. Service connection is granted for these conditions.

The Veteran's claims for bilateral hearing loss and tinnitus were denied as there was no evidence of in-service noise exposure or a current disability. The TDIU claim was also denied.

The Veteran's PTSD is rated at 50 percent, and he meets the schedular criteria for a TDIU due to service-connected disabilities.,While his PTSD does not meet the criteria for extraschedular consideration, he has been granted a TDIU based on his combined rating of 70 percent.