Tinnitus (ringing in the ears) decisions — 2015

The Board found no evidence of a hearing loss disability within one year after separation from service and denied the Veteran's claim for bilateral hearing loss. For tinnitus, the Board determined that there was insufficient evidence to establish its onset during service or relate it to service.

The VA has conceded the Veteran's exposure to hazardous noise in service, but there is no evidence relating this exposure to his current tinnitus disability. As a result, the Board finds that the Veteran's tinnitus was not incurred in service.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's tinnitus is related to his in-service noise exposure and grants service connection for this condition.

The Veteran's claims for service connection have been granted, with the exception of some issues related to his prostate condition and sleep apnea. The decision also includes a determination that he is eligible for special monthly compensation.

The Veteran's tinnitus is found to be as likely the result of noise exposure during service or a symptom of his service-connected hearing loss, warranting service connection.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's tinnitus is related to his in-service noise exposure, and thus service connection for this condition is granted.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's current bilateral hearing loss and tinnitus are related to his active service, with at least equipoise evidence in favor of this determination. As a result, service connection for these conditions is granted.

The Board has determined that a remand is necessary to obtain additional medical records and to provide the Veteran with an appropriate VA examination in order to determine the etiology of his current bilateral hearing loss and tinnitus.

The Veteran's service-connected bilateral tinnitus is rated at the maximum 10 percent disability rating under Diagnostic Code 6260, and no higher rating is warranted.

The Veteran's appeal is being remanded for additional development to determine the nature and etiology of his bilateral hearing loss, tinnitus, left knee condition, and acquired psychiatric disorder.

The Veteran's PTSD is rated at 100 percent disabling, effective from the date of this decision. The Veteran's TDIU claim is denied as his other service-connected disabilities do not preclude him from obtaining or maintaining substantially gainful employment.

The Board has remanded the case for additional development, including obtaining VA outpatient records and scheduling a VA examination to determine if the Veteran requires aid and attendance due to service-connected disabilities.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's current bilateral hearing loss and tinnitus disabilities are related to his active service, with symptoms beginning during service and continuing since then. As a result, the criteria for service connection have been met.

The Board has granted an effective date of April 29, 2009 for the grant of service connection for residuals of TBI and tinnitus. The earliest evidence of a claim was received on that date.

The Veteran has withdrawn his appeal for service connection for bilateral hearing loss and tinnitus, thus the issues are dismissed.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's left ear hearing loss did not originate in service or for many years thereafter and is not related to any incident during active service. The criteria for establishing service connection are met for tinnitus, as it was caused by in-service noise exposure.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's tinnitus is etiologically related to his military service, and therefore grants service connection for bilateral tinnitus.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's bilateral hearing loss and tinnitus were not incurred in or aggravated by service, as there is no evidence of a chronic condition during service or within one year after separation. The VA examiner found that the current hearing loss was less likely than not related to service.

The Board has granted service connection for a cervical spine disorder, lumbosacral spine disorder, hearing loss of the left ear, and tinnitus of the left ear as these conditions are related to military service.,Service connection is granted based on direct evidence showing a link between current disabilities and military service.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's tinnitus is related to his active duty service and grants service connection for this condition.