Tinnitus (ringing in the ears) decisions — 2014

The Board finds that the Veteran's hearing loss and tinnitus are not related to service, as there is no evidence of in-service acoustic trauma or current disability. The Veteran's current hearing loss and tinnitus are more likely due to occupational noise exposure after service.

The Veteran's claim of service connection for tinnitus was denied as he failed to report for a required VA examination and there is no medical evidence establishing an in-service injury or disease that could be linked to the current condition.

The Board has reopened the Veteran's claims for service connection for bilateral hearing loss and tinnitus. The evidence now shows that the Veteran experienced noise exposure during his military service, which is considered a direct link to his current conditions of bilateral hearing loss and tinnitus.

The Veteran's claim for a total disability rating based on individual unemployability due to service-connected disabilities is being remanded for additional development, including obtaining updated income information and scheduling the Veteran for a VA examination.

The Veteran's appeal is being remanded due to his failure to appear for a Travel Board Hearing scheduled on January 13, 2014. He was notified of the hearing at an incorrect address.

The Veteran's claim for special monthly compensation based on need for aid and attendance/housebound benefits was denied as he does not meet the criteria for such benefits due to his service-connected disabilities.

The Veteran's claims for service connection are being remanded due to the need for additional medical examinations and development of his exposure history.

The Veteran's tinnitus was not present in service and is not related to service. The Board finds the VA examiner's opinion of significantly greater weight than the Veteran's lay assertion as to the etiology of his tinnitus.

The Board has remanded the case due to the need for additional service treatment records from the Veteran's National Guard service and outstanding relevant medical records. The claims will be reconsidered after these records are obtained.

The Board found no evidence of a nexus between the Veteran's current bilateral hearing loss, tinnitus, and right knee disability and his military service. The Veteran did not experience significant shifts in hearing thresholds during service, and his post-service noise exposure was minimal.

The Board denied the Veteran's claim for a compensable rating for symptoms of a left ear disability other than hearing loss, finding that his dizziness and tinnitus were not related to his service-connected left ear condition.

The Board has determined that the Veteran does not have tinnitus, and therefore service connection for this condition is denied.

The Veteran's claims for service connection for various conditions, including Lyme disease and its residuals, as well as secondary disabilities to these conditions, have been denied. The evidence does not support a finding that any of the claimed conditions are related to active military service or are due to a service-connected disability.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's service-connected PTSD and peripheral neuropathy of the lower extremities are sufficiently severe to render him unable to obtain or maintain substantially gainful employment, thus granting a TDIU.

The Veteran's current tinnitus disability had its onset during active duty service, and the Board has granted service connection for this condition.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's tinnitus, right ear hearing loss, and left ear hearing loss are all service-connected. Tinnitus was found to be incurred in active service. Right ear hearing loss is considered aggravated by active service. Left ear hearing loss is not shown to have been incurred or aggravated during active service.

The Board has determined that new and material evidence has been received to reopen the Veteran's claim of service connection for tinnitus. The Veteran's current bilateral tinnitus is found to be causally related to his in-service noise exposure, and therefore, service connection is granted.

The Veteran's appeal is being remanded for additional examinations and to obtain relevant medical records. The issues of service connection for hearing loss, tinnitus, and a pulmonary disorder are under review.

The Veteran's tinnitus was found to have arisen during service, meeting the criteria for service connection. The cold injury claims are remanded as additional development is needed.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's claims for a left knee condition, bilateral hearing loss, tinnitus, skin condition, and acquired psychiatric disorder (PTSD) are not supported by credible evidence of a continuity of symptomatology since service or an association with service. The claims will be remanded to further develop the record.