Tinnitus (ringing in the ears) decisions — 2014

The Board has denied the Veteran's claims for service connection for bilateral hearing loss and tinnitus, finding that there is no evidence of a nexus between current hearing loss and tinnitus and in-service noise exposure.

The Veteran's tinnitus is found to be related to noise exposure during service, and his bilateral hearing loss is found not to be related to service. The case is remanded for a new VA examination on the issue of bilateral hearing loss.

The Board has remanded the case due to issues with middle ear fluid affecting audiological testing. The Veteran's claims for bilateral hearing loss and tinnitus are being reviewed again after proper treatment of his middle ear condition.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's bilateral hearing loss disability and tinnitus are at least as likely as not related to his military service, including noise exposure during active duty.

The Veteran's tinnitus was found to have onset in service and is granted service connection. The Board also finds that the Veteran has other disabilities, including bilateral knee, hand, and back disorders, which are not related to his military service.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's bilateral hearing loss and tinnitus are due to in-service exposure to hazardous noise levels during combat service, and grants service connection for these conditions.

The Veteran's service-connected bilateral tinnitus is rated at the maximum of 10 percent, as a single rating for both ears. The appeal is denied.

The Veteran's claims for an earlier effective date and service connection were denied. The Board found that the earliest evidence of a claim was January 12, 2009, which is when the grant of service connection for status post right hip arthroplasty was granted.

The Veteran's diabetes mellitus, type II is not service-connected as it did not manifest during or within one year after his military service and there is no evidence of in-service exposure to herbicides. His tinnitus was incurred in service but is not related to noise exposure.

The Veteran's tinnitus is not related to active service, and his diabetes mellitus does not require regulation of activities. The Board finds that the preponderance of the evidence is against a nexus between in-service noise exposure and current tinnitus.,The Veteran's type II diabetes mellitus has been rated at 20 percent since August 1, 2009. However, there is no medical evidence showing that he requires insulin or regulation of activities to manage his condition.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's current tinnitus is related to his active service, and thus grants service connection for tinnitus.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's bilateral hearing loss and tinnitus are etiologically related to his in-service noise exposure, and thus service connection is granted for both conditions.

The Board denied the Veteran's claims of service connection for left ear hearing loss disability and tinnitus, finding that there was no evidence linking these conditions to military service.

The Veteran's service-connected disabilities, including posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD), tinnitus, right olecranon bursitis, right upper arm scar, and bilateral hearing loss, are insufficient to warrant a TDIU rating. The case is being remanded for additional development of records and an examination.

The Veteran's appeal is being remanded for a Travel Board hearing. His claims include service connection for Meniere's disease, increased ratings for hearing loss and tinnitus, and TDIU.

The Board denied the Veteran's claims for service connection for tinnitus and initial compensable ratings for bilateral hearing loss. The evidence did not support a finding that the Veteran's tinnitus was incurred in or aggravated by his military service, nor did it show that his hearing loss warranted a compensable rating prior to July 26, 2011.

The Board has granted service connection for tinnitus and denied a compensable rating for bilateral hearing loss.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's tinnitus is either incurred in service or is proximately due to his now-service connected hearing loss, and thus grants service connection for tinnitus.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's tinnitus is not related to his military service and therefore denied his claim for service connection.

The Veteran's currently diagnosed tinnitus is causally related to his service-connected bilateral hearing loss, and the Board grants service connection for tinnitus as secondary to this condition.