Tinnitus (ringing in the ears) decisions — 2014

The Veteran's recurrent headaches, bilateral hearing loss disability, and tinnitus are all service-connected. The Veteran is currently rated at 10% for his recurrent headaches.

The Board has determined that additional development is needed to properly adjudicate the Veteran's claims for service connection for bilateral hearing loss and tinnitus.

The Veteran's recurrent tinnitus was found to be incurred in active service. The Board granted service connection for this condition.

The Board has determined that the proposed severance of service connection for bilateral hearing loss, tinnitus, and special monthly compensation based on deafness was improper. The Veteran's original service connection was granted due to in-service noise exposure leading to current hearing impairment.

The Board finds that the Veteran's right ear hearing loss was permanently aggravated by his period of service, and therefore grants entitlement to service connection for right ear hearing loss.

The Board has determined that the Veteran does not have a current hearing loss or tinnitus disability and there is no link between his service and these conditions. Therefore, the claims for service connection are denied.

The Veteran's claim for service connection for bilateral hearing loss disability and tinnitus has been granted.

The Veteran's tinnitus and bilateral hearing loss are found to be related to his active service, with the Board resolving all doubt in favor of the Veteran.

The Board found that the Veteran's current bilateral hearing loss disability and tinnitus disability were not incurred in or related to his military service, including due to noise exposure. The VA examiner concluded it was less likely than not that these disabilities are related to his military service.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's pre-existing bilateral hearing loss was aggravated by noise exposure during service, and his tinnitus is presumed to have been incurred in service. Therefore, both conditions are granted as service connected.

The Board has determined that new and material evidence was submitted to reopen the claims for service connection for bilateral hearing loss and tinnitus. However, both conditions were found not related to service.

The Veteran's acquired psychiatric disorder, diagnosed as anxiety disorder, was found to be related to his military service. Bilateral hearing loss is also attributable to military service. The claim for tinnitus remains pending due to insufficient evidence.

The Veteran's bilateral hearing loss disability and tinnitus are found to be related to his noise exposure during active duty, resulting in a grant of service connection for both conditions.

The Board has decided to remand the Veteran's claims for additional development, including obtaining VA treatment records and providing an addendum opinion regarding the etiology of his bilateral hearing loss and tinnitus.

The Board found no evidence of in-service hearing loss or tinnitus, and concluded that the current bilateral sensorineural hearing loss and tinnitus are not related to service. The Veteran's contentions were considered but outweighed by the medical opinion.

The Veteran's tinnitus is found to have begun during his active military service and has continued since then, warranting service connection.

The Veteran's service-connected disabilities do not preclude him from securing and following a substantially gainful occupation.

The Board found that the Veteran's bilateral hearing loss and tinnitus were not caused by his military service, as evidenced by a VA examination report concluding it was less likely than not due to noise exposure. The Veteran did not have hearing loss or significant change in hearing sensitivity at separation from service.

The Board has denied the Veteran's claims for service connection for lyme disease, bilateral hearing loss, tinnitus, angioedema, and a kidney condition. The Veteran is not eligible for special monthly pension based on aid and attendance or housebound status.

The Veteran's appeal is being remanded for additional development, including obtaining medical records and providing the Veteran with VA examinations to determine the nature and etiology of his claimed conditions.