Tinnitus (ringing in the ears) decisions — 2015

The Board has determined that the Veteran's tinnitus is associated with his service-connected left ear hearing loss and grants service connection for this condition on a secondary basis. The issue of entitlement to service connection for right ear hearing loss is remanded due to inadequate medical opinion.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's tinnitus is likely due to noise exposure in active service and granted service connection for this condition.

The Veteran has tinnitus that is the result of disease or injury incurred during active military service. The Board finds the Veteran's statements regarding an in-service onset of tinnitus to be credible and grants service connection for tinnitus.

The Veteran's claim for an increased rating for bilateral pes planus was denied. The Board found that the disability more closely approximated severe pes planus, warranting a 30 percent rating. However, as the disability had been service-connected on an aggravation basis, the pre-existing degree of disability (10%) was deducted from any compensation level assigned, leaving the Veteran with a net 20% compensation level for his bilateral pes planus. The claims for service connection for bilateral hearing loss and tinnitus were not addressed due to inadequate examination.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's service-connected disabilities, particularly his hearing loss, render him in need of regular aid and attendance. As a result, special monthly compensation based on the need for aid and attendance is granted.

The Veteran's tinnitus is found to have been incurred in service. The issues of short-term memory loss and right carpal tunnel syndrome are remanded for additional examination.

The Board has reopened the claims to service connection and granted them for bilateral hearing loss, tinnitus, and lung disorder. The claim for prostate disorder is denied.

The Board has determined that new and material evidence has been received to reopen the claims of entitlement to service connection for bilateral hearing loss and tinnitus. Service connection is granted for tinnitus, but the claim for hearing loss remains pending as it did not meet VA standards at the time of the examination.

The Board found that there was no evidence to support a nexus between the Veteran's current hearing loss and tinnitus, as well as his acquired psychiatric disorder (to include PTSD), and his military service. The preponderance of the evidence did not establish such a connection.

The Board found that the Veteran's hearing loss and tinnitus did not begin during service, nor are they related to his in-service noise exposure. Therefore, service connection for both conditions was denied.

The Veteran's appeal is being remanded due to his desire for a Board hearing. The issues of entitlement to service connection for bilateral hearing loss and tinnitus are still under consideration.

The Board denied the Veteran's claims of service connection for bilateral hearing loss and tinnitus, finding that there was no evidence to support a link between these conditions and his military service.

The Veteran was found to be unemployable due to his service-connected disabilities for the period from April 12, 2006 to May 4, 2011.

The Veteran's tinnitus was granted service connection and a 10% rating for Hepatitis C prior to December 11, 2012. A 20% rating is assigned effective July 10, 2010. The Veteran's TDIU claim is denied.

The Veteran's service connection claims for PTSD, bilateral sensorineural hearing loss, and tinnitus are all granted.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's currently diagnosed bilateral hearing loss and tinnitus did not begin during or as a result of his active service, and therefore denied both claims for service connection.

The Veteran's claim of entitlement to service connection for hearing loss is denied, while his claim for tinnitus is granted.

The Board has determined that additional development is needed to properly adjudicate the Veteran's claims for service connection for bilateral hearing loss and tinnitus. This includes obtaining VA treatment records, scheduling a VA examination if necessary, and considering all relevant evidence in rendering an opinion.

The Board has remanded the case for additional development, including obtaining VA treatment records and Social Security Administration records. The Veteran will be provided a new VA examination to assess his employability due to service-connected disabilities.