Tinnitus (ringing in the ears) decisions — 2014

The Veteran's service-connected disabilities render him unable to secure and follow a substantially gainful occupation, qualifying for TDIU. The left flank scar is rated at 10 percent due to painful symptoms.

The Board has granted service connection for bilateral hearing loss and tinnitus, finding that the Veteran's current conditions are due to his active service.,Service connection was also granted for residuals of ulcerative colitis, with a presumption based on asbestos exposure.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's tinnitus is related to his service, including as due to noise trauma therein, and therefore grants the claim for service connection.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's bilateral hearing loss and tinnitus are service-connected, with the increase in severity during service being considered as aggravation of a pre-existing condition.

The Veteran withdrew his appeal for the issues of entitlement to service connection for a right knee disability and bilateral hearing loss disability, as well as an increased rating for migraine headaches. The Board dismissed these issues due to withdrawal.

The Veteran's service-connected disabilities render him unable to secure or follow substantially gainful employment, and the Board finds that he meets the schedular criteria for a TDIU.

The Board denied the Veteran's claims of service connection for diabetes mellitus, ischemic heart disease, peripheral neuropathy of the upper and lower extremities, bilateral hearing loss, and tinnitus due to exposure to Agent Orange. The evidence did not support a finding that the Veteran was exposed to herbicides in Vietnam or had chronic symptoms related to these conditions during service.

The Veteran's appeal is being remanded due to the need for a more comprehensive evaluation of his service-connected PTSD and its impact on his employability. The case will be returned to the Board after further development.

The Veteran's left total knee replacement is not service-connected as the preponderance of the evidence shows it was less likely than not related to his service.,Bilateral hearing loss and tinnitus are also not service-connected. The Board found that the Veteran's bilateral hearing loss is at least in equipoise with service connection, while tinnitus is granted based on credible lay testimony.

The Board has remanded the case due to inadequate opinions regarding the Veteran's bilateral hearing loss and tinnitus. The Veteran is seeking service connection for these conditions, which are currently under review.

The Board has granted the Veteran's claims of service connection for a hysterectomy, scars secondary to a hysterectomy, and tinnitus. The Veteran's fibrocystic disease of the right breast is rated at 10%.

The Veteran's appeal is being remanded due to the need for a Travel Board hearing. The issues of service connection for PTSD, bilateral hearing loss, and tinnitus remain on appeal.

The Board has determined that additional development is needed to verify the appellant's service periods and obtain his medical records. The appeal will be remanded for these purposes.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's tinnitus, bilateral hearing loss disability, and sleep apnea are related to his service. Service connection is granted for these conditions.

The Veteran's tinnitus was not present in service or until many years thereafter and is not etiologically related to service.,The Veteran's current skin conditions were not present in service or until many years thereafter and are not etiologically related to service.

The Board found that the Veteran's tinnitus did not have onset during service and is not related to military noise exposure, thus denying his claim for service connection.

The Veteran's claims for service connection for benign positional vertigo and diabetes mellitus, type II have been granted.

The Veteran's appeal is being remanded for a videoconference hearing before the Board of Veterans' Appeals. The issues include service connection for bilateral hearing loss and tinnitus, as well as an increased rating for hallux valgus of the right foot and TDIU.

The Veteran's claim of service connection for hearing loss is denied, but his claim of service connection for tinnitus is granted.