Tinnitus (ringing in the ears) decisions — 2015

The Veteran's claim for bilateral hearing loss was denied as there is no evidence of a current disability.,Tinnitus was granted as it was incurred in service and not due to any other factors.

The Veteran's claims for service connection for chest pain, bilateral hearing loss, tinnitus, and a sleep disorder were denied as there is no current diagnosis or evidence of in-service injury that would support the claim.

The Veteran's claims for service connection for bilateral hearing loss and tinnitus are being remanded due to the need for additional development.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's service connection claims for bilateral hearing loss and tinnitus are granted, with tinnitus being found to be related to his military service.

The Board has granted service connection for tinnitus and remanded the claim for a low back disorder.

The Board found that the Veteran's current bilateral hearing loss and tinnitus were not related to his service, as there was no evidence of a nexus between his in-service noise exposure and his current conditions. The preponderance of the evidence showed that these disabilities first manifested many years after service.

The Board has determined that new and material evidence has not been presented to reopen the claim for service connection for hearing loss. However, the Veteran's tinnitus is found to be related to his military service.

The Veteran's appeal is being remanded due to his recent move, and a video conference hearing will be scheduled at a VA location closest to his new home address.

The Board has remanded the case for further development, including obtaining VA treatment records and Social Security Administration records. The Veteran's tinnitus will be evaluated in relation to his service-connected bilateral hearing loss.

The Veteran's claims for service connection for left ear hearing loss and tinnitus have been granted with effective dates of May 2000 and February 2012, respectively. The claim for CUE in VA rating decisions has also been granted.

The Board has determined that the Veteran does not have a current disability of bilateral hearing loss or tinnitus for VA purposes, and there is no evidence to support service connection for either condition.

The Board has granted service connection for tinnitus and denied service connection for migraine headaches, left knee disorder, and flat feet. The Veteran's tinnitus is found to be related to noise exposure during service, while his current migraine headaches are not considered related to service.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's bilateral hearing loss and tinnitus did not manifest during service or are otherwise related to his military service, including noise exposure. As such, the claims for service connection have been denied.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's bilateral hearing loss and tinnitus are related to his service, with sufficient evidence supporting a grant of service connection for both conditions.

The Veteran withdrew his appeals for basic eligibility for nonservice-connected pension benefits and entitlement to an increased rating for tinnitus during hearings held by the Board. The claims of service connection for a dental disorder, to include dental trauma, and for an increased disability rating for bilateral hearing loss disability remain in appellate status.

The Veteran's appeal for a higher disability rating for service-connected tinnitus was denied. The Board found that the highest schedular rating available is 10 percent, and thus no higher rating could be granted.

The Veteran's tinnitus was granted service connection. Service connection for diabetes mellitus and peripheral vascular disease is also granted, but the specific basis of this grant (secondary to service-connected disabilities or otherwise) needs further clarification as it relates to his right fifth toe disability and bilateral pes planus.

The Board has determined that further development is needed to determine the etiology of the Veteran's current bilateral hearing loss and tinnitus, as well as whether these conditions are related to service. The claims will be remanded for a VA medical opinion.

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

The Veteran's appeal was dismissed due to the death of the appellant during the pendency of the appeal.