Tinnitus (ringing in the ears) decisions — 2016

The Veteran's tinnitus is related to acoustic trauma during service and the Board grants service connection for tinnitus. The issue of bilateral hearing loss is addressed in the REMAND portion of the decision.

The Veteran's bilateral hearing loss and tinnitus are found to be related to his in-service exposure to loud noise, resulting in service connection being granted.

The Veteran's claim for an initial compensable rating for bilateral hearing loss was denied, while his claim for service connection for tinnitus was granted.

The Board denied service connection for bilateral hearing loss and tinnitus, finding that the Veteran did not have current disabilities during the pendency of her claims and that there was no causal link to service.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's sleep apnea and ischemic heart disease are related to his military service, while bilateral hearing loss and tinnitus do not meet the criteria for service connection.

The Board has determined that new and material evidence has been received to reopen the Veteran's claims for service connection for tinnitus and lower back strain. The claim for tinnitus is granted as it is supported by credible testimony of in-service noise exposure and continuity of symptoms since service, meeting the criteria for direct service connection. The claim for lower back strain is also granted based on credible testimony regarding in-service injury and continuity of symptomatology.

The Board has granted service connection for tinnitus, finding that the Veteran's current symptoms are related to his active service. The other claims remain pending and will be remanded for further development.

The Board denied the Veteran's claims for service connection for bilateral hearing loss, tinnitus, and lower extremity radiculopathy. The Veteran was also denied a higher rating for his lumbar spine disability.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's current right knee disability and tinnitus are related to his military service, with reasonable doubt resolved in favor of the claimant. As such, both conditions have been granted service connection.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's bilateral hearing loss and tinnitus are service-connected, with reasonable doubt resolved in favor of the Veteran.

The Veteran's tinnitus was found to have manifested during active duty service and is granted service connection. The claim for residuals of a right thigh injury is remanded for further development.

The Veteran's appeal is being remanded for additional development, including obtaining Social Security Administration records and updated VA medical records. The issues of service connection for a bilateral foot disorder and tinnitus are also being remanded.

The Board has remanded the case for a new VA examination to assess whether the Veteran's service-connected disabilities render him unable to obtain or maintain gainful employment. The AOJ should readjudicate the claim after obtaining any additional evidence.

The Board has remanded the case for an opinion on whether a service-connected disability caused or contributed to cause the Veteran's death, specifically addressing his in-service cardiorespiratory arrest and its potential relation to any heart disorder that led to his fatal myocardial infarction.

The Board has granted service connection for tinnitus, but the hearing loss claims are remanded due to insufficient evidence.

The Veteran's claims for service connection for bilateral hearing loss and tinnitus were denied as they were not received within one year of separation from active duty, and the effective date cannot be earlier than October 28, 2011.

The Board has determined that the evidence is in equipoise as to whether the Veteran's tinnitus is causally related to noise exposure during active service. The issue of service connection for bilateral hearing loss is REMANDED.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's sleep apnea, erectile dysfunction, and tinnitus are service-connected. The Veteran does not have a hearing loss disability for VA purposes in his left ear.

The Board denied the Veteran's claim to reopen his service connection for tinnitus as new and material evidence was not presented, concluding that the evidence did not relate to an unestablished fact necessary to substantiate the claim.

The Board found that the Veteran's tinnitus is not related to his service and denied his claim for service connection.