Tinnitus (ringing in the ears) decisions — 2015

The Veteran has been granted service connection for PTSD, which is considered a direct service connection as no presumption or secondary condition was established. The other conditions are still under consideration.

The Veteran's service-connected biliary cancer, which caused his death in November 2008, is found to be related to his military service due to exposure to liver flukes during his time in Vietnam and Korea. Service connection for the cause of the Veteran's death is granted.

The Veteran was granted service connection for allergic rhinitis, tinnitus, atopic dermatitis, AC joint spurring of the right shoulder, and left knee strain. The claims for higher initial ratings and service connection for hearing loss, loss of great toe nails, and right hip pain are being remanded.

The Veteran's claims for service connection are being remanded due to the need to verify his periods of service and obtain additional medical records.

The Veteran's claim for special monthly pension based on the need for aid and attendance or being housebound is REMANDED due to a lack of recent VA examination and treatment records, as well as potential need for additional rating assignments.

The Veteran's tinnitus and migraines have been granted service connection, with a 30 percent rating for migraines effective March 9, 2009. The bilateral knee condition issue is pending.

The Board has determined that the Veteran does not have a currently diagnosed respiratory disability, bilateral hearing loss, or tinnitus. Therefore, service connection for these conditions is denied.

The Veteran's service-connected disabilities do not contribute in substantial part to his impairment to employment, and therefore he does not meet the criteria for vocational rehabilitation under Chapter 31 of Title 38.

The Veteran's appeal is being remanded due to inadequate VCAA notice and the need for additional medical examinations.

The Veteran's service-connected disabilities render him in need of regular aid and attendance due to his inability to leave the house, perform activities of daily living such as bathing, toileting, and dressing, and manage his environment safely.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's current bilateral hearing loss and tinnitus disabilities are not related to his military service, as there is no evidence of in-service noise exposure or symptoms during service. The VA examiner found it less likely than not that these conditions were caused by military noise exposure.

The Board found no evidence of a current hearing loss or tinnitus disability, and the Veteran's reported symptoms are not related to his service. Therefore, service connection for bilateral hearing loss and tinnitus is denied.

The Board found that the Veteran's current hearing loss and tinnitus do not meet the criteria for service connection, as there is no evidence of a chronic disease during or within one year after service. The VA examinations did not establish a link between the current conditions and service.

The Board has determined that the Veteran does not have a current disability for which service connection can be granted, as there is no competent medical evidence linking his claimed disabilities to service. The claims are therefore denied.

The Board has granted the Veteran's claims for service connection for multiple sclerosis and erectile dysfunction, but dismissed his claims for bilateral hearing loss, tinnitus, urinary complications, and an acquired psychiatric disability (claimed as depression or anxiety).

The Board has remanded the case for additional development, including obtaining private treatment records and scheduling VA examinations. The claims will be readjudicated based on all evidence of record.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's hearing loss and tinnitus are related to service, while onychomycosis and urticaria were not manifest in or related to service.

The Veteran's tinnitus is found to be related to his military service, and the Board grants service connection for this condition.

The Board finds that the Veteran's tinnitus is at least as likely as not caused by his military service, specifically due to acoustic trauma from working on helicopters in Vietnam. The claim for service connection is granted.

The Veteran does not have tinnitus that is attributable to his active military service.