Tinnitus (ringing in the ears) decisions — 2014

The Board denied the claim of service connection for tinnitus, finding that there was no evidence to support a link between the condition and the appellant's period of active duty training in 1962.

The Veteran's right ear hearing loss is service-connected, and the Board has granted this claim. The issue of an initial compensable disability rating for left ear hearing loss remains pending.

The Board previously denied the Veteran's claims for bilateral hearing loss and tinnitus, but has now vacated this decision due to a settlement agreement. The case is being remanded for a new hearing before a Veterans Law Judge.

The Veteran's appeal is being remanded due to the need for additional development and procedural actions, including a statement of the case on service connection for hypertension and scheduling a videoconference hearing.

The Veteran's claims for service connection for hearing loss, bilateral ED, cataracts, peripheral neuropathy of the upper extremities, and venous insufficiency of the lower extremities are all denied. The Board finds that there is no evidence to support a finding that these conditions were incurred or aggravated by service.

The Veteran's bilateral hearing loss, tinnitus, and metastatic seminoma are not related to service. The Board finds that these conditions were not incurred or aggravated by military service.

The Veteran's PTSD has resulted in total occupational and social impairment, warranting a 100% disability rating for the entire appeal period.

The Board has determined that the Veteran does not have a current right ear hearing loss disability as defined by VA. Resolving all reasonable doubt in favor of the Veteran, service connection for tinnitus is granted.

The Veteran's current tinnitus originated during service and the Board has determined that the evidence is at least in equipoise, granting service connection for tinnitus.

The Board has remanded the case for further development, including obtaining additional VA medical records and scheduling a VA examination. The claims of service connection for hearing loss, tinnitus, and psychiatric disorders are pending.

The Board found no current diagnosis of bilateral hearing loss or tinnitus for VA purposes and denied the Veteran's claims for service connection.

The Veteran's service-connected disabilities, including migraines, bronchial asthma, lumbosacral strain, left arm radiculopathy associated with cervical strain, right shoulder acromioclavicular degenerative joint disease, residuals of a right wrist injury with fibrositis, left ankle injury, tinnitus, sinusitis, left knee injury, and cervical strain, have rendered him unable to secure or follow substantially gainful employment. The Board has granted the Veteran's claim for TDIU.

The Board denied service connection for the Veteran's claimed disabilities, including thyroid disability, skin disability, peripheral neuropathy, coldness of the feet, breathing disability, insomnia, bilateral hearing loss, and tinnitus, all of which were deemed not attributable to active service.

The Board has remanded the case for further development due to conflicting medical evidence and the Veteran's lay assertions.

The Board has remanded the case due to the need for additional development regarding a claim of service connection for residuals of a perforated right eardrum. The main issue remains unresolved as the claim of vertigo is inextricably intertwined with this new claim.

The Veteran's claim for service connection for tinnitus was denied as there is no credible and competent evidence that the condition was incurred in or related to his active military service, including due to in-service noise exposure.

The Veteran's service-connected disabilities render him unable to secure or follow substantially gainful employment, and the Board finds that a TDIU is warranted.

The Veteran's claims for service connection for bilateral hearing loss, tinnitus, and intermittent atrial arrhythmia have been granted. The claim for an initial compensable rating for corn of the second toe of the right foot is pending.

The Board has remanded the case due to the need for additional medical opinions regarding the Veteran's hearing loss and tinnitus, as his service treatment records were negative for these conditions.

The Veteran's appeal is being remanded for additional development, including obtaining updated VA and private treatment records, arranging for a VA examination by an otolaryngologist (ENT specialist), and readjudicating the claims.