Tinnitus (ringing in the ears) decisions — 2015

The Veteran's claims for service connection for bilateral hearing loss and tinnitus are being remanded due to inadequate medical opinions in the May 2014 VA audiological examination. Additional evidence is needed, including records of a cerumen removal procedure performed in 1983/1984.

The Veteran's service-connected disabilities effectively result in the permanent loss of use of both lower extremities, precluding locomotion without the aid of a wheelchair. However, because he is eligible for assistance under 38 U.S.C.A. § 2101(a) in acquiring specially adapted housing, he cannot also receive a special home adaptation grant.

The Board has determined that the Veteran does not have a current hearing disability for VA compensation purposes, and therefore service connection for bilateral hearing loss is denied. The tinnitus claim remains pending as development was requested but not completed.

The Veteran's service-connected bilateral hearing loss and tinnitus did not prevent him from engaging in substantially gainful employment.

The Veteran's skin disorder to include chloracne, tinnitus, and vertigo were not service-connected. The claim for compensation under 38 U.S.C. § 1151 for worsening of tinnitus was denied as it is a cognizable issue under the provisions of 38 U.S.C. § 1151. The claim for compensation under 38 U.S.C. § 1151 for vertigo was also denied due to lack of evidence supporting an additional disability.

The Board has reopened the previously denied claim of service connection for tinnitus and granted service connection based on evidence showing that the Veteran's current tinnitus is related to his active duty service.

The Board has reopened the Veteran's claim of service connection for bipolar disorder and granted it. The claims for bilateral hearing loss and tinnitus are remanded for further development.

The Board has determined that new and material evidence has been received to reopen the claims of entitlement to service connection for hearing loss, tinnitus, right wrist disorder, left wrist disorder, and left leg disorder. The Veteran's in-service exposure to hazardous noise levels is presumed.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's bilateral hearing loss disability and tinnitus were not incurred in or aggravated by active service, and thus denied both claims.

The Board has granted service connection for tinnitus based on continuous post-service symptoms and exposure to acoustic trauma during service.

The Veteran's service-connected major depressive disorder was rated at 50 percent prior to March 13, 2008. The appeal for a higher rating is denied.

The Board has granted service connection for bilateral hearing loss and tinnitus, finding that the Veteran's current conditions are related to his in-service noise exposure during combat.

The Board found that the Veteran's bilateral hearing loss and tinnitus were not incurred in or aggravated by his active military service. The VA examiner determined that the current auditory findings of the Veteran are similar to those observed during his separation examination, indicating no significant change over time.

The Board finds that the Veteran's bilateral hearing loss and tinnitus were not incurred in or aggravated by his active duty military service. The VA examiner determined that there was no significant threshold shift during service, and the current hearing loss is less likely due to acoustic trauma related to his MOS as with field artillery or military noise exposure.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's tinnitus had its onset during active service and granted service connection for this condition. The claim for residuals of traumatic brain injury was also granted, with a determination that it is at least as likely as not related to service.

The Board has ordered a remand to obtain an addendum opinion regarding whether the Veteran's service-connected hearing loss and vertigo with severe tinnitus and occasional staggering alone cause him to be unable to secure or follow a substantially gainful occupation.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's left ear hearing loss and tinnitus are related to his active service, including noise exposure during combat operations. As a result, both conditions have been granted service connection.

The Board has ordered a remand to obtain a VA examination and address the Veteran's tinnitus claim, which includes his service-connected hearing loss.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's bilateral hearing loss and tinnitus did not have onset during active service, were not caused by an event, injury, or disease in active service, and did not manifest within one year of separation from active service. Therefore, the claims for service connection are denied.

The Board has granted service connection for tinnitus, finding that the evidence is at least in relative equipoise as to whether the Veteran's tinnitus is related to active service. Service connection for right ear hearing loss was not addressed due to a remand.