Tinnitus (ringing in the ears) decisions — 2015

The Board has granted service connection for bilateral hearing loss and tinnitus, finding that the Veteran's current hearing loss had its onset in active service.

The Veteran's tinnitus is found to be service-connected, and his psychiatric disorder (including PTSD) is also found to be service-connected based on the evidence of record.

The Board found no evidence of hearing loss or tinnitus in service and concluded that the Veteran's current bilateral hearing loss and tinnitus are not related to his military service.

The Veteran's appeal was dismissed due to his withdrawal of the PTSD claim. The right ankle and knee disability claims were denied, as new evidence did not meet the criteria for reopening the claim, and there is no causal relationship between service and these disabilities. Hearing loss and tinnitus claims are pending.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's current bilateral hearing loss and tinnitus disabilities are not more likely than not incurred in or aggravated by his military service.

The Veteran's combined disability rating was sufficient to meet the criteria for a TDIU due to his service-connected disabilities, including PTSD, bilateral hearing loss, tinnitus, and left ankle sprain with arthralgia. The Board found that these conditions precluded him from securing or following substantially gainful employment.

The Board has granted service connection for bilateral hearing loss and tinnitus, finding that the Veteran's current conditions are at least as likely as not related to his active military service.

The Veteran's claims for service connection for bilateral hearing loss and tinnitus were granted with an effective date of July 18, 2012. The Board found that the original claim was received on August 6, 2010, and thus the earlier effective dates requested are not warranted.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's bilateral hearing loss and tinnitus are related to his active duty service, resolving doubt in favor of the Veteran.

The Veteran's tinnitus is found to be related to in-service noise exposure. Service connection for tinnitus has been granted.

The Veteran's appeal is being remanded due to the need for a VA examination at a more convenient location. The issues of entitlement to service connection for bilateral hearing loss and tinnitus are pending.

The Veteran's claim for TDIU is being remanded due to the need for a VA examination and medical opinion to address the current functional effects of his service-connected disabilities on his employability.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's current bilateral hearing loss and tinnitus are related to his military service, granting service connection for these conditions.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's bilateral hearing loss and tinnitus are not related to his military service, as there is no evidence of complaints or treatment for these conditions during service. The preponderance of the evidence does not support a finding that either condition was incurred in service.

The Board has granted service connection for tinnitus but denied service connection for bilateral hearing loss.

The Board has remanded the Veteran's claims for additional development due to outstanding Reserve service records and a need for a VA audiological examination.

The Board has granted service connection for bilateral hearing loss and tinnitus, finding that the Veteran's current conditions are related to his military service.

The Board has remanded the case due to a scheduling issue and will be reconsidered by the RO.

The Veteran's appeal is being remanded for additional development, including scheduling a VA examination and obtaining updated treatment records. The TDIU claim will also be addressed.