Tinnitus (ringing in the ears) decisions — 2014

The Veteran's service-connected conditions do not render him bedridden or so helpless as to require regular aid and attendance, thus his claim for SMC based on need for regular aid and attendance or housebound status is denied.

The Board found that the Veteran's current bilateral hearing loss and tinnitus are not related to his military service, as evidenced by normal hearing during service and no significant threshold shift noted on any of the four exams. The VA examiners concluded that the Veteran's hearing loss is less likely than not caused by acoustic trauma in service.

The Board has reopened the Veteran's claims for service connection for bilateral hearing loss and tinnitus, as new and material evidence has been submitted. The claims are granted to this extent.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's current hearing loss and tinnitus are related to his active service, resolving all reasonable doubt in favor of the Veteran. Therefore, service connection for bilateral hearing loss and tinnitus is granted.

The Veteran's appeal is being remanded for additional development, including obtaining the VA audiology examination report and providing him with a new VA audiology examination to determine if his tinnitus is related to service.

The Board denied service connection for bilateral hearing loss and tinnitus, finding that the Veteran's pre-existing hearing loss did not undergo a permanent worsening during his active duty periods. The Board also found no evidence of aggravation by in-service noise exposure.

The Veteran's appeal has been withdrawn by his representative prior to the Board making a decision.

The Board has determined that further development is needed to address the Veteran's claims for service connection for bilateral hearing loss and tinnitus. The case is being remanded for a VA opinion.

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

The Board has denied the Veteran's claims for service connection for left knee disorder, low back disorder, bilateral hearing loss, tinnitus, and an acquired psychiatric disorder. The claim for right pointer and right middle finger disorders with scars is addressed in the REMAND portion of this decision.

The Veteran's tinnitus and bilateral hearing loss are found to have been incurred during service, thus service connection is granted.

The Veteran's claims for service connection for diabetes mellitus, tinnitus, and bilateral hearing loss are being remanded due to the need for clarification regarding his exposure to herbicides in Vietnam. The AOJ is instructed to obtain relevant VA records, SSA disability benefits information, and any additional private medical records from the Veteran.

The Veteran's current bilateral tinnitus is found to be related to his in-service noise exposure, and the claim for service connection is granted.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's bilateral hearing loss and tinnitus are related to service, with the latter being more likely than not due to combat exposure. Service connection is granted for both conditions.

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

The Board has determined that additional development is needed in order to properly adjudicate the Veteran's claims for service connection, including obtaining a VA examination and clarifying certain medical opinions.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's tinnitus did not originate during his military service and is therefore denied service connection.

The Board has granted service connection for tinnitus, but the Veteran's claim of chronic left ear infections remains pending and will be remanded to obtain VA treatment records.

The Veteran's appeal has been withdrawn prior to the Board making a decision.

The Veteran's service-connected disabilities, including cervical spine and hand conditions, prevent him from securing and following substantially gainful employment.