Tinnitus (ringing in the ears) decisions — 2015

The Board has determined that the Veteran does not have a hearing loss disability for VA purposes, and his claims for service connection for tinnitus, erectile dysfunction, an acquired psychiatric disorder, and a right index finger fracture are denied as there is no competent medical evidence showing such disabilities were incurred or aggravated by active service.

The Veteran's claim for service connection for tinnitus was reopened and granted. The claim for service connection for a left knee disability is remanded due to the need for a video conference hearing.

The Veteran's appeal is remanded for further development, including a VA examination to determine if his service-connected disabilities cause him to be housebound or in need of regular aid and attendance.

The Board found that the Veteran's current bilateral hearing loss disability and tinnitus were not incurred or aggravated by service, as there was no evidence of a hearing loss disability for VA purposes during active duty. The VA examiner provided negative opinions regarding both conditions.

The Veteran's appeal is being remanded due to his request for a new hearing and the need to reopen claims related to service connection.

The Veteran has withdrawn his appeals for service connection of bilateral hearing loss, tinnitus, and a perforated tympanic membrane. The Board does not have jurisdiction to review these issues as they are dismissed.

The Veteran's claims for service connection for left knee disability, heart disability (IHD), and tinnitus were denied. The Board found no evidence of a current disability due to disease or injury in service that would support these claims.

The claims for service connection for degenerative disc disease of the cervical spine, shoulder disorders, hearing loss, tinnitus, loss of balance and vertigo, chest pain, heart dysrhythmia, and blood clots and phlebitis were denied. The claim for a total rating based on individual unemployability was also denied.

The Board has reopened the claim of service connection for tinnitus and granted it, finding that new evidence submitted by the Veteran raises a reasonable possibility of substantiating the claim.

The Veteran's appeal is being remanded due to the need for a Board video-conference hearing. Service connection for bilateral hearing loss and tinnitus remains on appeal.

The Veteran's tinnitus is found to be related to service, while his COPD and prostate cancer are not linked to service.,Service connection for a mental health disorder is granted.

The Veteran's tinnitus was found to be a result of pre-existing condition that worsened during service. Since the disability is considered fully compensated, an initial compensable rating for tinnitus is denied.

The Veteran withdrew his appeal for service connection for tinnitus, a low back disorder, and hypertension.

The appellant has withdrawn his appeal, and the Board finds that this matter is dismissed.

The Veteran's appeal was dismissed due to the death of the appellant.

The Veteran's subjective complaints of bilateral tinnitus are not etiologically related to his active military service, and the claim for service connection is denied.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's claimed bilateral hearing loss and tinnitus are not related to his military service, as there is no evidence of in-service noise exposure or current disabilities meeting VA compensation criteria. The claims for service connection have been denied.

The Board has determined that new and material evidence has been received to reopen the claim of service connection for bilateral hearing loss. The Veteran's tinnitus is found to be related to his in-service noise exposure, and thus service connection is granted.

The Veteran's appeal is being remanded for further development to address the claims of service connection for a lung disorder, bilateral hearing loss, tinnitus, and lumbar spine disability. The case will be reviewed after all requested actions are completed.

The Veteran's claim for a compensable rating for erectile dysfunction was denied, but he was granted a total disability rating based on individual unemployability due to his service-connected disabilities. The decision also found that the Veteran is likely unable to secure or follow substantially gainful employment as a result of his service-connected conditions.