Tinnitus (ringing in the ears) decisions — 2015

The Board has determined that the Veteran's current bilateral tinnitus is related to noise exposure during service, and thus grants service connection for this condition. The other issues are addressed in the REMAND portion of the decision.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's current bilateral hearing loss disorder and tinnitus are related to his in-service exposure to loud noise, including from helicopters and rifle and machine gun fire. As a result, service connection for these conditions is granted.

The Veteran's service-connected disabilities, including coronary artery disease, PTSD, bilateral hearing loss, and tinnitus, have rendered him unable to secure or follow substantially gainful employment. The Board has granted a total disability rating based on individual unemployability.

The Board has granted service connection for tinnitus and PTSD, with the effective date set at December 17, 2013. The Veteran's claim for an earlier effective date for PTSD was denied as there is no evidence of a diagnosis prior to June 2002.

The Board finds that the Veteran's bilateral hearing loss and tinnitus are at least as likely as not related to his in-service noise exposure, while other conditions like right elbow and foot disabilities lack sufficient evidence of a service connection.,While there is conflicting medical opinion regarding the etiology of the Veteran's hearing loss and tinnitus, the Board leans towards finding that these conditions are more likely due to post-service occupational and recreational factors.

The Veteran's appeal was timely perfected, and the Board has jurisdiction to address all issues related to service connection for various conditions. The right knee disability is currently rated at 10 percent.

The Veteran's TBI residuals, including headaches and vertigo, are rated at 10 percent. The claim for service connection for an acquired psychiatric disorder is pending as a separate issue. The Veteran's TDIU claim was granted.

The Board has determined that the Veteran does not meet the criteria for service connection for hearing loss or tinnitus due to lack of evidence showing a current disability, and there is no competent medical evidence linking these conditions to her active military service.

The Board has granted service connection for tinnitus as secondary to the Veteran's service-connected bilateral hearing loss. The issue of a compensable rating for bilateral hearing loss is being remanded.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's bilateral hearing loss and tinnitus are service-connected, with the latter being secondary to his hearing loss.

The Veteran's appeal is being remanded for additional development, including obtaining updated treatment records and scheduling a VA examination to assess the severity of his PTSD and its impact on his ability to work.

The Veteran's tinnitus was found to have likely had its onset during active service, and the Board granted his claim for service connection.

The Veteran's appeal for service connection for tinnitus was dismissed due to his withdrawal of the appeal. The case is remanded for further development and examination regarding service connection for a psychiatric disorder.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's tinnitus and right knee arthritis are related to active military service, thus granting service connection for both conditions. The Veteran's claim of entitlement to service connection for tinnitus is reopened.

The Veteran's tinnitus was caused by in-service exposure to excessive and harmful noise during his service. The Board has granted the claim for service connection.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's bilateral hearing loss and tinnitus are related to his service, including combat exposure in Vietnam. As such, these conditions have been granted as service-connected.

The Veteran's claim for service connection for tinnitus is being remanded due to unclear statements regarding the onset of symptoms and a need for additional records.

The Veteran's tinnitus was found to have manifested during active duty service and is granted. The hearing loss claim must be remanded for further development.

The Veteran's tinnitus, bilateral hearing loss, and onychomycosis were evaluated. The Veteran was denied increased ratings for these conditions as the current evaluations are deemed appropriate based on the evidence of record.

The Board has granted the Veteran's service connection claim for tinnitus, finding that it is likely due to in-service noise exposure. The decision on the bilateral hearing loss disability issue will be remanded as the RO failed to send a Supplemental Statement of the Case (SSOC) with the March 2015 VA examination report and April 2015 Addendum opinion.