Tinnitus (ringing in the ears) decisions — 2014

The Board has determined that additional development is needed to determine the nature and etiology of the Veteran's claimed disabilities, including whether they are related to service or exposure to ionizing radiation. The case will be remanded for further action.

The Board has remanded the case for additional development, including obtaining VA treatment records and scheduling a VA examination to address the Veteran's claims of service connection for bilateral hearing loss, tinnitus, and a right leg condition.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's current low back disability was incurred in active service, and therefore grants entitlement to service connection for a low back disability.

The Veteran's claim for service connection for bilateral hearing loss and tinnitus was granted, effective May 5, 2009. The effective date cannot be earlier as the original claim was denied in March 2002 and not appealed within one year.

The Veteran's tinnitus had onset during service and the Board has determined that it was incurred in service. The hearing loss disability is not currently diagnosed, but may be related to noise exposure during service. The psychiatric disorder (adjustment disorder with anxiety) is found to have been present during service.

The Board has remanded the case due to inadequate examination reports and outstanding medical records. The Veteran's claims for service connection for bilateral hearing loss and tinnitus will be reconsidered after additional development.

The Board has denied the Veteran's claims for increased initial ratings for bilateral tinnitus and bilateral hearing loss, as well as his claim of service connection for a low back disability. The maximum schedular rating (10%) is assigned for bilateral tinnitus.

The Veteran's tinnitus is found to be related to noise exposure during active service, and his bilateral hearing loss disability is found to have existed prior to service. The Board finds in favor of the Veteran on both issues.

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

The Board has remanded the case due to insufficient evidence and needs further examination and opinion regarding the etiology of the Veteran's tinnitus.

The Board has reopened the Veteran's claim for service connection for a low back disability due to new and material evidence. The case is being remanded for further development, including obtaining VA treatment records from Dr. A.G.S. prior to 2004, scheduling an ear examination, and providing the Veteran with another opportunity to respond.

The Board has reopened the Veteran's previously denied claim for service connection for bilateral hearing loss and granted his claims for service connection for tinnitus.,However, there is no evidence of record to support a finding that he has residuals of cold injury to his feet due to disease or injury incurred in or aggravated by his military service.

The Board has granted service connection for tinnitus, finding that the Veteran's current tinnitus began in active service. The issue of entitlement to service connection for headaches is remanded due to lack of recent VA treatment records and need for a medical examination.

The Veteran's tinnitus is found to be related to his active service, and the Board has granted service connection for this condition.

The Board has granted service connection for left ear hearing loss, tinnitus, and disfigurement of the head. Right ear hearing loss was not found to be related to service.

The Veteran's appeal is remanded for further examination and development to determine if he requires regular aid and attendance or is housebound due to his service-connected disabilities.

The Board has decided to remand the case for further development and consideration, including obtaining additional medical opinions and records.

The Veteran's claims for hearing loss, tinnitus, and PTSD have been denied as he does not meet the criteria for service connection or an increased rating under applicable VA regulations.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's tinnitus and right ear hearing loss are service-connected. However, there is no evidence of left ear hearing loss meeting VA criteria for compensation purposes during the appeal period.

The Veteran's claim for service connection for tinnitus is being remanded due to the inadequacy of the March 2009 VA QTC examination and the need for an addendum opinion addressing the etiology of his claimed tinnitus.