Tinnitus (ringing in the ears) decisions — 2015

The Veteran's claims for service connection of right ear hearing loss, tinnitus, and chronic disability manifested as right ear pain have all been granted.

The Board has reopened the claims for service connection for tinnitus and bilateral hearing loss, but denied them on the merits.

The Veteran's service connection claim for tinnitus is granted as the Board finds that it had its onset in active service. The hearing loss claim is remanded due to insufficient evidence.

The Veteran's service-connected disabilities render him in need of regular aid and attendance, warranting SMC based on the need for aid and attendance.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's bilateral hearing loss and tinnitus are related to his in-service exposure to noise, and thus service connection is granted.

The Veteran's claims for service connection for hearing loss, tinnitus, PTSD, and an acquired psychiatric disorder other than PTSD are all granted.

The Board has denied the Veteran's claims for service connection for an acquired psychiatric disorder, bilateral carpal tunnel syndrome, and tinnitus. The evidence does not support a finding of in-service injury or disease that could be linked to these conditions.

The Veteran is entitled to a TDIU as of September 14, 2011 due to his service-connected disabilities.

The Board has granted service connection for bilateral hearing loss disability and tinnitus as these conditions are found to be related to the appellant's in-service noise exposure.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's tinnitus is a result of noise exposure during his active service and grants service connection for tinnitus. The claim for bilateral hearing loss, to include as secondary to diabetes mellitus type 2, is remanded for further development.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's bilateral hearing loss and tinnitus were not incurred or aggravated by active service, as there is no evidence of a current disability during service or within one year thereafter. The preponderance of the evidence does not support a finding that these conditions are related to her military noise exposure.

The Veteran's appeal has been dismissed due to the death of the appellant.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's left ear hearing loss disability and tinnitus did not manifest in service or for many years thereafter, and are not related to his military service.

The Board has remanded the case for an addendum medical opinion regarding the etiology of the Veteran's tinnitus, specifically whether it is related to a head injury during ACDUTRA in June 1978 or some other cause.

The Veteran's appeal is being remanded for further development, including a new examination to evaluate his service-connected disabilities and their impact on his employability.

The Veteran's hearing loss, tinnitus, and inner ear disability claims are being remanded for further action due to the failure to reschedule her Board hearing.

The Board has determined that the Veteran does not meet the criteria for service connection for any of the claimed conditions, including bilateral hearing loss and tinnitus. The evidence does not establish a current disability in these areas as defined by VA regulations.

The Board has determined that additional development is needed to verify the Veteran's service dates and obtain her complete treatment records. The appeal will be remanded for these purposes.

The Veteran's service-connected disabilities do not prevent him from maintaining substantially gainful employment, as the VA examinations and Social Security Administration records indicate he is capable of performing sedentary work.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's current bilateral hearing loss and tinnitus did not have onset in service or are otherwise related to his active military service.