Tinnitus (ringing in the ears) decisions — 2014

The Board has granted service connection for bilateral hearing loss and tinnitus, finding that the Veteran's current conditions are at least as likely due to in-service noise exposure.

The Veteran's tinnitus is service connected, but the issues of service connection for a skin disorder and hypertension are remanded as additional development is needed.

The Veteran's right ear hearing loss and tinnitus are found to be related to his service, with the Board granting service connection for these conditions. Other claims of service connection have been granted.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's current diagnoses of acquired psychiatric disorder, shoulder disability, neck disability, low back disability, and tinnitus do not meet the criteria for service connection based on direct evidence. The Veteran did not have any relevant symptoms or diagnoses during service, and there is no competent medical opinion linking his current conditions to his military service.

The Veteran's claims for bilateral hearing loss and tinnitus are granted as the evidence supports a finding of service connection based on credible assertions of in-service noise exposure.

The Veteran's bilateral hearing loss disability is currently rated at 30 percent, which is the maximum schedular rating for service-connected bilateral hearing loss. The Veteran's tinnitus disability is currently rated at 10 percent, as it is considered a single evaluation due to recurrent tinnitus.

The Veteran is seeking service connection for bilateral hearing loss and tinnitus, which she attributes to in-service noise exposure. The claims file does not contain post-service treatment records related to her use of prescribed hearing aids. The case is remanded to ensure compliance with VA's duty to assist the Veteran.

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

The Veteran's service connection claims for bilateral hearing loss, tinnitus, COPD, emphysema, and a back disability are granted. The claim for an initial rating in excess of 30 percent for PTSD is denied.

The Board denied the Veteran's claims for service connection for tinnitus and bilateral hearing loss, finding that there was no current evidence of a disability or link to service.

The Veteran's tinnitus was not incurred or aggravated in service and the Board finds that there is no evidence to support a finding of service connection.

The Veteran's tinnitus and bilateral hearing loss are found to be related to his military service, with the Board granting service connection for both conditions.

The Board denied the Veteran's claims for service connection for tinnitus, bilateral hearing loss, peripheral neuropathy of the bilateral lower and upper extremities, headaches, and a stomach disorder.

The Board has remanded the Veteran's claims of entitlement to service connection for a bilateral hearing loss disability and tinnitus due to procedural issues, and the Veteran is scheduled for a Travel Board hearing.

The Veteran's sinus disability, bilateral hearing loss, and tinnitus are all found to be related to service. The case is being remanded for additional development.

The Board has granted service connection for tinnitus, finding that the Veteran's in-service noise exposure likely caused his current condition. Service connection for bilateral sensorineural hearing loss is remanded due to insufficient evidence.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's bilateral hearing loss and tinnitus are not related to his military service, and thus denied both claims.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's right ear hearing loss and tinnitus are related to his active service, while left ear hearing loss is not clearly and unmistakably due to natural progression. Service connection for these conditions is granted.

The Board has denied the Veteran's claims for service connection for tinnitus, residuals of a reaction to penicillin, broken nose, hemorrhoids, and pes planus. The evidence does not support the presence of current disabilities related to these conditions.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's claims for service connection are not properly adjudicated and requires additional development, including obtaining medical opinions regarding the etiology of his hearing loss, tinnitus, and carpal tunnel syndrome.