Tinnitus (ringing in the ears) decisions — 2014

The Board has remanded the claims due to incomplete information regarding the Veteran's active duty for training periods and further development is needed.

The Veteran's TDIU claim is being remanded for an addendum opinion to address the Veteran's employability due to his service-connected bilateral hearing loss disability and tinnitus.

The Board denied the Veteran's claims for service connection for tinnitus and for increased ratings for bilateral hearing loss. The Veteran was not diagnosed with tinnitus, and his current bilateral hearing loss disability is rated at 50% since December 5, 2013.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's bilateral hearing loss and tinnitus are not related to service, as evidenced by normal audiometric findings during service and no reported symptoms until after discharge. The VA medical opinion found that these conditions are not caused by or a result of exposure to high levels of noise while on active duty.

The Board has determined that additional development is necessary before a decision can be rendered in this case, including obtaining medical opinions and records.

The Veteran is service connected for Meniere's disease, bilateral hearing loss associated with Meniere's disease and tinnitus associated with Meniere's disease. The RO has assigned a combined disability rating of 60 percent. As the Veteran's service-connected disabilities all stem from a common etiology, the 60 percent combined rating meets the schedular criteria for assignment of a TDIU.

The Board has granted service connection for tinnitus, finding that the Veteran's current condition is at least as likely as not related to his active duty service. The remaining issues on appeal are referred back to the RO for further action.

The Board finds that the appellant's periods of AWOL following his combat tour in the Republic of Vietnam are justified due to compelling circumstances, and thus does not constitute a bar to VA benefits.

The Veteran has withdrawn his appeals for service connection for various conditions, including hypertension, hypothyroidism, a left foot disability, fingernail disability, bilateral hearing loss, and tinnitus.

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

The Board has determined that the October 15, 2009, denial of eligibility for a fee basis medical identification card was improper and restored the Veteran's entitlement to such.

The Veteran's claims for service connection for bilateral hearing loss, tinnitus, and ischemic heart disease have been granted.

The Veteran's tinnitus and bilateral hearing loss are found to have had their onset during service, warranting the grant of service connection.

The Veteran's request for a Board hearing via videoconference has not been scheduled, and the case is being remanded to schedule this hearing.

The Board has declined to adjudicate the issue of entitlement to a TDIU, and now remands it for further development including a VA examination.

The Board has remanded the Veteran's claims for further development and consideration, including obtaining additional medical opinions and evidence. The dental claim is also being remanded to afford the Veteran a hearing.

The Board has remanded the case for a new opinion regarding whether the Veteran's tinnitus is proximately due to or chronically worsened by his service-connected psychotic disorder, and for further development of the claim.

The Veteran's appeal for an initial increased rating in excess of 10 percent for bilateral hearing loss prior to August 5, 2005 was denied. The Board found that the evidence did not support a higher evaluation based on the current level of disability.

The Veteran's service-connected bilateral hearing loss and tinnitus do not render him unable to secure or follow a substantially gainful occupation, thus the claim for TDIU is denied.

The Board has determined that the Veteran does not have a current right ear hearing loss disability for VA purposes and finds that his bilateral hearing loss and tinnitus are not related to service. The claims for service connection for bilateral hearing loss and tinnitus are denied.