Tinnitus (ringing in the ears) decisions — 2014

The Board has determined that the Veteran's bilateral hearing loss and tinnitus do not warrant higher initial evaluations as they are currently rated.

The Board found that the Veteran's current bilateral hearing loss and tinnitus did not meet the criteria for service connection as they were not shown to be related to his military service.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's claimed bilateral hearing loss and tinnitus are not related to service, as there is no evidence of a chronic condition during service or within one year post-service. The VA examiner concluded that the current hearing loss and tinnitus are more likely due to occupational noise exposure after service.

The Board has determined that further development is needed to obtain the appellant's service personnel records and a VA examination for his seizure disorder, bilateral hearing loss disability, and tinnitus. The claims are being remanded.

The Veteran's claim for service connection for left ear hearing loss is addressed in a separate remand.,Service connection has been granted for right ear hearing loss and tinnitus.

The Board has denied the Veteran's claims for service connection for left ear hearing loss and tinnitus. The Board found that there was no evidence linking these conditions to service, and thus denied both claims.

The Board has remanded the case due to insufficient medical opinion regarding the etiology of the Veteran's current hearing loss and tinnitus. The Veteran is seeking service connection for these conditions, which are currently considered direct service connection cases.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's current bilateral hearing loss and tinnitus are as likely as not due to noise exposure during his period of active service, including his role as a military prison guard. As such, the claims for service connection have been granted.

The Board has determined that new and material evidence has been received to reopen the Veteran's claims for service connection for bilateral hearing loss and tinnitus. The Veteran's current bilateral hearing loss and tinnitus are found to be related to his in-service noise exposure.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's bilateral hearing loss and tinnitus are likely attributable to noise exposure during his military service, warranting service connection.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's tinnitus began in service and is related to noise exposure, thus granting service connection for tinnitus. The claim for bilateral hearing loss will be remanded due to incomplete medical records.

The Board has determined that new and material evidence has been submitted to reopen the claims for service connection for a left ear hearing loss disability, right ear hearing loss disability, and tinnitus. The Veteran's current disabilities are found to be related to his military service.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's claims for service connection for tinnitus, low back disability, hypertension, prostate cancer, and hearing loss have been withdrawn. The claim of service connection for hearing loss was denied as there is no evidence to support a finding of in-service noise exposure or chronic otitis media resulting in current hearing loss.

The Board granted service connection for bilateral hearing loss and tinnitus, effective from the date of receipt of the new claims (March 11, 2010) and March 18, 1985 respectively.

The Veteran's tinnitus is found to have had its onset in service, and the Board grants service connection for this condition. The issue of bilateral hearing loss remains pending as an addendum opinion is needed.

The Board has remanded the case due to the Veteran's request for a videoconference hearing. The appeal is being returned to the AOJ for scheduling the requested hearing.

The Veteran's service-connected disabilities do not prevent him from securing and following substantially gainful employment.

The Veteran's service connection claims for left ear hearing loss and tinnitus were denied as there is no evidence of a significant decrease in hearing sensitivity during active service, and the current hearing loss and tinnitus are more likely due to civilian noise exposure.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's claims of entitlement to service connection for bilateral hearing loss and tinnitus require additional development, including a VA examination.

The Veteran's appeal is being remanded due to his request for a hearing before the Board of Veterans' Appeals. His claims for service connection for bilateral hearing loss and tinnitus are still pending.