Tinnitus (ringing in the ears) decisions — 2016

The Board denied the Veteran's claims for service connection for tinnitus and bilateral hearing loss, finding that there was no evidence of in-service noise exposure or a nexus to current symptoms.

The Veteran withdrew his appeal on all issues listed.

The Board has remanded the case due to incomplete records and need for further examination, particularly regarding the etiology of the Veteran's bilateral hearing loss and left ear tinnitus.

The Veteran withdrew his appeal regarding the issues of entitlement to service connection for bilateral hearing loss and tinnitus.

The Veteran's appeals for increased ratings and TDIU have been dismissed due to his withdrawal of the appeals.

The Veteran's appeal is being remanded for additional development, including obtaining SSA disability records and VA treatment records. The issues of increased PTSD rating and TDIU are part and parcel.

The Board has determined that the Veteran was likely exposed to herbicides during his service at Udorn Air Force Base in Thailand, and therefore grants service connection for diabetes mellitus on a presumptive basis. The claim for bilateral hearing loss is denied as there is no competent evidence showing a current disability due to service. Service connection for tinnitus is granted.

The Board has determined that the Veteran does not have a bilateral hearing loss disability for VA purposes and his tinnitus is related to in-service noise exposure. Therefore, service connection for these conditions is denied.

The Veteran's tinnitus is found to be at least as likely as not causally related to an in-service event, injury or disease.

The Veteran does not have a permanent total service-connected disability, and therefore does not meet the criteria for Dependents' Educational Assistance under Chapter 35 of Title 38 U.S.C.A.

The Veteran's service connection claim for tinnitus is granted, as the Board finds that it had its onset in active service. The hearing loss claim remains pending.

The Veteran's tinnitus is found to be service-connected due to noise exposure during active duty. The claim for an acquired psychiatric disorder and IHD are remanded.

The Board has granted service connection for tinnitus and found that the evidence is at least in equipoise as to whether the Veteran's tinnitus is causally or etiologically related to his military service or is secondary to his service-connected bilateral hearing loss. The claim of service connection for a bilateral shoulder disability remains pending.

The Board has granted service connection for a cervical spine disability, but denied the Veteran's increased rating claims and other issues on appeal. The decision is mixed as some issues are granted while others are not.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's tinnitus is service connected, but his bilateral hearing loss is not.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's tinnitus is service-connected as it was likely caused by his in-service noise exposure, and affording him the benefit of doubt.

The Veteran's appeal for a higher rating for PTSD was withdrawn during his June 2015 Board hearing. The claim for service connection for headaches has been reopened due to the submission of new and material evidence.,Service connection is granted for headaches, as there is an approximate balance of positive and negative evidence indicating that the Veteran's current headache disorder may be related to events in service.

The Board has granted service connection for a psychiatric disability. The claims of service connection for bilateral hearing loss, tinnitus, and COPD are denied as the preponderance of evidence is against these claims.

The Veteran is entitled to financial assistance in the purchase of an automobile or other conveyance and adaptive equipment, as well as a higher rate of special monthly compensation based on his need for aid and attendance due to service-connected disabilities resulting in loss of use of both feet.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's tinnitus and bilateral hearing loss are related to service, with a finding in favor of granting service connection for both conditions.