Tinnitus (ringing in the ears) decisions — 2014

The Board denied service connection for bilateral hearing loss and tinnitus in August 2009, finding no evidence of a nexus to service. The claims were reopened but remain denied.,Service connection was not established for tinnitus as the evidence does not support a link between the condition and active duty.

The Veteran's acquired psychiatric disorder, specifically depressive disorder NOS, is found to be related to his service-connected cervical spine disability. The issues of service connection for urinary tract infections and prostatitis are remanded as the evidence does not provide sufficient information on their etiology.

The Board has determined that new and material evidence has not been received to reopen the Veteran's claims for service connection for various conditions. As such, these claims remain denied.

The Veteran's claim of service connection for bilateral hearing loss was denied because no current hearing loss disability was shown. The Board finds that new and material evidence has not been received to reopen this claim. Service connection for tinnitus is granted as the Veteran reported having ringing in his ear since service, with persistence.

The Veteran's appeal for service connection for tinnitus and an initial evaluation for major depressive disorder with PTSD was granted. The issue of entitlement to a higher initial rating for the psychiatric disability is being remanded.

The Veteran's appeal is being remanded for additional development, including obtaining Social Security Administration (SSA) records and VA treatment records. A VA examination will also be scheduled to assess the impact of his service-connected conditions on his ability to work.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's bilateral hearing loss and tinnitus are as likely as not related to his active service, including in-service noise exposure. As a result, the claims for service connection have been granted.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's bilateral hearing loss and tinnitus are not related to service, as there is no evidence of a nexus between his current conditions and his military service. The Veteran's claims for service connection have been denied.

The Veteran's TDIU claim is being remanded for further review by the VA Compensation and Pension Service due to her service-connected disabilities, which include multiple conditions such as endometriosis, asthma, depression, degenerative disc disease, vertigo, radiculopathy, ovarian cysts, and carpal tunnel syndrome. The case will be referred back for an extraschedular TDIU rating under 38 C.F.R. § 4.16(b).

The Board has determined that the Veteran's bilateral hearing loss and tinnitus did not manifest during service or are otherwise related to service, and thus denied both claims.

The Board has remanded the case for further development, including a VA examination to determine if tinnitus is related to boxing during military service.

The Veteran's tinnitus is granted service connection. The claim for service connection of basal cell carcinoma has been reopened and remains pending. Service connection for bilateral hearing loss is denied.

The Board has granted the Veteran's claims for service connection for bilateral hearing loss and tinnitus, finding that both conditions are related to noise exposure during his military service.

The Veteran's claims for earlier effective dates for the grant of service connection for bilateral hearing loss disability and tinnitus were dismissed as freestanding claims, not based on CUE in a final rating decision.

The Board found that the Veteran's current bilateral hearing loss and tinnitus are not related to his military service, but granted service connection for tinnitus due to in-service noise exposure.

The Board has determined that a remand is necessary to obtain an updated VA examination and opinion regarding the Veteran's bilateral hearing loss and tinnitus, as well as to clarify the etiology of these conditions. The appeal will be returned for further consideration.

The Veteran's tinnitus is related to acoustic trauma during active military service, and the Board finds that his claim for service connection is granted.

The Board has remanded the case due to outstanding VA and Social Security Administration (SSA) records, as well as a need for clarification of the examiner's opinion regarding tinnitus etiology.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's left ear hearing loss and tinnitus are related to his military service, resolving all doubts in favor of the Veteran.

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