Tinnitus (ringing in the ears) decisions — 2015

The Veteran's claims for increased evaluations for tinnitus and mild T12-L1 disc herniation with degenerative disc disease were denied as the evidence did not support a higher rating.

The Board has granted service connection for tinnitus and an initial disability evaluation in excess of 30 percent for PTSD with depressive disorder. The Veteran's claim for a higher rating for PTSD remains pending.

The Veteran's tinnitus is found to be related to his military noise exposure during a period of active duty for training (ACDUTRA) in the Army National Guard, and service connection is granted.

The Veteran's tinnitus is related to service exposure, and the Board has granted service connection for this condition.

The Veteran seeks service connection for bilateral hearing loss and tinnitus, which he contends are related to his military noise exposure. The VA has not provided a thorough examination or opinion regarding the etiology of these conditions.

The Board has remanded the case due to the need for additional medical opinions regarding the Veteran's hearing loss and tinnitus, which are intertwined issues. The claims will be reconsidered after obtaining the necessary addendum.

The Board denied service connection for a low back disorder and found that new and material evidence had not been received to reopen claims of service connection for deviated nasal septum, sleep apnea, and tinnitus. The Veteran's current symptoms are attributed to multiple injuries sustained during service.

The Board found that the Veteran's service-connected disabilities, including PTSD, diabetes mellitus type II, peripheral neuropathy of the lower extremities, and tinnitus, do not prevent him from securing and maintaining substantially gainful employment. The preponderance of evidence does not show he is unemployable solely due to his service-connected conditions.

The Veteran's service-connected disabilities have prevented him from securing and following a substantially gainful occupation since August 1, 2008.

The Veteran's appeal was dismissed due to his request to withdraw the appeal for sleep apnea. The Board found that bilateral hearing loss and tinnitus were incurred in active duty service.

The Veteran was granted service connection for bilateral hearing loss and tinnitus as a result of noise exposure during active duty. The Board found that the Veteran's current diagnoses met the criteria for a 'disability' under VA regulations, and his testimony regarding symptoms in service is credible.

The Veteran's appeal is being remanded for additional development, including a new VA examination to assess the nature and etiology of his claimed bilateral hearing loss and tinnitus.

The Veteran's appeal is remanded due to the need for additional medical opinions regarding his heart disability and its relationship to service-connected conditions.

The Board has reopened the claims for service connection for right and left ear hearing loss, as well as tinnitus. The Veteran's current hearing loss is related to his in-service exposure to acoustic trauma.

The Veteran's claim for service connection for bilateral hearing loss disability and tinnitus is being remanded due to the need for additional medical examination and opinion. The Board will consider all available evidence, including VA and private treatment records, in reaching a decision.

The Board has reopened the Veteran's claim for service connection for bilateral hearing loss and tinnitus, finding that new evidence supports a grant of service connection. The decision also grants service connection for both conditions.

The Veteran's residuals of traumatic brain injury are rated at a 70 percent disability rating, effective as of the date of this decision.

The Veteran's service-connected disabilities combine for a 90 percent rating and render him unable to secure or follow a substantially gainful occupation, thus meeting the criteria for TDIU.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's bilateral hearing loss and tinnitus are at least as likely as not caused by noise exposure during service, resolving reasonable doubt in his favor.

The Board found no evidence of a back disorder or left knee disorder present in service, and concluded that any current disorders are not related to service. The Veteran's tinnitus was also denied as there is no evidence linking it to service.,Service connection for the claimed conditions was denied due to lack of evidence showing their onset during service or being linked to a service-connected disability.