Tinnitus (ringing in the ears) decisions — 2015

The Board has decided to remand the case for additional development, including obtaining missing service treatment records and scheduling a VA examination.

The Board has granted service connection for tinnitus but denied reopening of the claim for bilateral hearing loss disability due to lack of new and material evidence.

The Veteran's claims for hearing loss and tinnitus are being remanded due to inadequate examination and the need for additional evidence. The TDIU claim is also being remanded as VA examinations from July 2013 have not been added to the record.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's tinnitus did not manifest during service or within one year of separation, and there is no evidence linking his current tinnitus to service. The claim for service connection for tinnitus is denied.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's bilateral hearing loss and tinnitus are not related to his active duty service, as there is no evidence of in-service noise exposure or current manifestations of these conditions within one year of separation from service. The Veteran's statements regarding in-service noise exposure are considered competent but not credible medical evidence.

The Veteran was granted service connection for tinnitus as it is a result of in-service acoustic trauma and continuous symptoms since separation from service.

The Veteran's service-connected disabilities, including depressive disorder and tinnitus, have rendered him unable to secure or follow a substantially gainful occupation. The Board finds that he meets the criteria for TDIU based on his service-connected conditions.

The Veteran's appeal is being remanded due to the need for additional examinations and development of his claims, including those related to bilateral hearing loss, tinnitus, PTSD, muscle injuries from SFWs, scars, and malaria.

The Veteran has withdrawn his appeals on all issues, including the ones related to hearing loss and tinnitus. The appeal for PTSD evaluation is also dismissed.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's tinnitus is related to his in-service exposure to noise while driving a tank, and thus service connection for tinnitus is granted.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's bilateral hearing loss and tinnitus are directly related to his military service, including exposure to noise during his time as an aircraft mechanic. As a result, the claims for service connection have been granted.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's current bilateral hearing loss disability and tinnitus are related to his military service, with doubt resolved in favor of the Veteran. The claims for service connection have been granted.

The Board has determined that the evidence is at least in equipoise as to whether the Veteran's tinnitus is the result of active duty service, and therefore grants service connection for tinnitus. The issue of bilateral hearing loss will be remanded for further development.

The Veteran's PTSD has been granted a higher initial rating of 70 percent, effective March 5, 2012. Service connection for tinnitus, bilateral hearing loss, sleep apnea, migraines, back injury, and residuals of left ankle/foot injury have also been established.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's tinnitus is service-connected, as it was shown to have been incurred during active service with symptoms since separation.

The Board has determined that the Veteran was not entitled to Dependency and Indemnity Compensation under 38 U.S.C.A. § 1318 due to a lack of entitlement under the law, as he did not meet the criteria for receiving such benefits.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's tinnitus had its onset during service and is related to his military noise exposure. However, there is insufficient evidence linking his current bilateral hearing loss disability to service.

The Veteran's claim for special monthly compensation based on the need for regular aid and attendance or being housebound is denied as his service-connected disabilities do not render him in need of such assistance.

The Veteran's current tinnitus is related to his active duty service, and the Board grants service connection for this condition. The issue of bilateral hearing loss remains pending as a new VA examination is needed.

The Veteran's Meniere's disease with hearing loss and tinnitus increased in severity to a 100 percent rating on August 8, 2011. The effective date for this increase is set at July 20, 2012.