Tinnitus (ringing in the ears) decisions — 2014

The Board has determined that the Veteran's service-connected bilateral hearing loss warrants a 20 percent rating. The claim for increased tinnitus was withdrawn by the Veteran prior to decision. Service connection for low back disability, headaches, knee disabilities, hypertension, and shoulder disabilities have been established based on continuity of symptomatology since service.

The Board has remanded the case for additional development, including obtaining service treatment records from the Veteran's Connecticut Army National Guard service and any outstanding private or VA treatment records. The Veteran is also asked to identify sources of VA treatment since May 2009.

The Veteran's appeals for service connection on the issues of vision loss, left eye; hypertension; a left knee disability; allergic rhinitis; hearing loss and tinnitus have been withdrawn prior to the Board promulgating a decision.

The Veteran's claim for special monthly compensation based on being bedridden, housebound, or in need of aid and attendance of another due to service-connected disabilities is remanded as the VA examinations did not adequately address his overall combined impairment.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's tinnitus is likely attributable to his service, and thus grants the claim for service connection.

The Board denied the Veteran's claims for service connection for DM, arthritis of the knees, arms, and hands, tinnitus, and an eye disorder (including cataracts and defective vision), all presumed to be related to herbicide exposure in Vietnam.

The Veteran's service-connected disabilities, including his prostate cancer and urinary incontinence, prevent him from obtaining or maintaining substantially gainful employment. The Board finds that he meets the criteria for a TDIU on a schedular basis.

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

The Board has granted service connection for bilateral hearing loss and recurrent tinnitus, finding that the Veteran's conditions are at least as likely as not related to his period of active military service.

The Veteran's appeal is being remanded for additional development to determine the etiology of his claimed disabilities, including hearing loss and knee conditions.

The Board has remanded the case for scheduling a live videoconference hearing before the Board at the local RO. The Veteran's claims of tinnitus, COPD due to asbestos exposure, and bilateral hearing loss are still pending.

The Board has remanded the case to the RO for further development and readjudication of the claims of service connection for bilateral hearing loss and tinnitus.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's tinnitus is as likely as not related to his military service, and thus grants service connection for tinnitus.

The Veteran withdrew his appeals for hepatitis C and bilateral hearing loss during the June 2010 Board hearing. The claims of service connection for tinnitus and an acquired psychiatric disability, to include PTSD, are addressed in the REMAND portion.

The Board has remanded the case for additional development due to an inadequate medical examination, including a new VA examination and opinion.

The Board has remanded the case due to insufficient evidence and a need for further examination. The Veteran's claims of service connection for hearing loss and tinnitus are being reviewed.

The Veteran's appeal is being remanded for further development, including a VA examination to assess the impact of his service-connected disabilities on his ability to secure and follow a substantially gainful occupation.

The Veteran's appeals for tinnitus and right hip disorder have been dismissed due to his death.

The Veteran's hearing loss and tinnitus are being remanded for further development as the evidence is inconclusive.

The Board has granted service connection for right ear hearing loss and tinnitus, finding that the Veteran's current conditions are at least as likely as not related to his military service.,Service connection is also granted for tinnitus secondary to the Veteran's service-connected hearing loss. The Board found no evidence of a link between the cysts and the Veteran's service.