Tinnitus (ringing in the ears) decisions — 2014

The Veteran's tinnitus is found to be related to service, and the Board grants service connection for this condition. The other issues are remanded for further development.

The Veteran's hypertension is not service-connected as it did not manifest during active duty or within one year of separation, and there is no evidence linking the current condition to service.,Bilateral hearing loss disability was found to be related to in-service acoustic trauma. The Veteran has a history of noise exposure while serving in Vietnam, which led to current bilateral hearing loss.

The Veteran's claims for service connection for a right thumb disorder, bilateral hearing loss, tinnitus, and lumbar spine disorder were denied. The claim for chest disorder was also denied as there is no evidence of a current disability related to service.

The Veteran's Alzheimer's type dementia was aggravated by his service-connected Henoch Schonlein purpura, and the Board granted service connection for this condition on a secondary basis. The claim for tinnitus was denied as there is no medical nexus between in-service acoustic trauma and current symptoms. Service connection for supranuclear palsy was also denied.

The Veteran's tinnitus is found to have started in service due to noise exposure, and the Board grants service connection for this condition.

The Board has granted service connection for bilateral hearing loss and tinnitus, finding that the Veteran's exposure to loud noises during service resulted in these disabilities. The claim for a sleep disorder is dismissed due to withdrawal.

The Veteran's appeal is being remanded due to incomplete records and an inadequate VA examination. The claims for service connection are not yet decided.

The Board has granted service connection for bilateral hearing loss and tinnitus, finding that the Veteran's current conditions are related to his military service.

The Veteran's appeal is being remanded due to a request for a videoconference hearing. The specific issues of rating for hearing loss and tinnitus are pending.

The Veteran's claim for service connection for tinnitus is granted, as the Board finds that his tinnitus is related to in-service noise exposure. The claim for bilateral hearing loss remains pending and will be remanded.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's bilateral hearing loss and tinnitus are not related to his military service, as there is no evidence of in-service injury or noise exposure. The Veteran's current symptoms do not meet the criteria for a disability under VA regulations.

The Board has found that the Veteran's tinnitus was not incurred or aggravated by service, and it is not due to or aggravated by his service-connected hypertension.

The Veteran requested to withdraw his appeal regarding the service connection for tinnitus, and as a result, the Board dismissed the appeal.

The Board has determined that additional development is needed to obtain the Veteran's personnel records, VA treatment records, and a supplemental opinion regarding his tinnitus. The claims are being remanded for these purposes.

The Board has remanded the case for additional development, including obtaining STRs from the Veteran's Reserve service and arranging for VA examinations to address the etiology of the Veteran's hearing loss, tinnitus, peripheral neuropathy, and psychiatric disability.

The Board has remanded the case due to inadequate VA opinions and a need for further evidentiary development, including a VA examination with an otolaryngologist (ENT). The Veteran's hearing loss and tinnitus are being evaluated in relation to his service exposure.

The Board finds that the Veteran's hearing loss and tinnitus are at least as likely as not caused by his National Guard service, including both active duty and reserve duties.

The Board has determined that a remand is necessary to obtain additional medical opinions and to ensure the Veteran receives proper VCAA notice regarding his secondary service connection claim for a low back disorder.

The Veteran's tinnitus is found to be related to service, granted.

The Veteran's appeal is being remanded due to the need for additional medical examinations and records.