Tinnitus (ringing in the ears) decisions — 2016

The Veteran's basal cell carcinoma is at least as likely as not the result of herbicide exposure and sun exposure during service. The RO granted service connection for this disability. Other issues remain pending in appellate status.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's bilateral hearing loss and tinnitus are as likely as not related to his active service, including exposure to noise during military service. As such, the claims for service connection for these conditions have been granted.

The Veteran's service-connected disabilities do not render him unable to secure or follow a substantially gainful occupation.

The Veteran's service-connected disabilities do not preclude him from substantially gainful employment, and therefore the criteria for a TDIU have not been met.

The Veteran seeks service connection for tinnitus, which he contends is the result of exposure to acoustic trauma in-service. The Board finds that additional evidence and a new VA examination are needed before a decision can be made.

The Board has ordered a remand due to the need for additional development, including obtaining updated VA treatment records and conducting a VA examination. The Veteran's claims will be reconsidered after these actions.

The Veteran's bilateral hearing loss and tinnitus are caused by his service-connected eustachian tube dysfunction.

The Board has reopened the Veteran's claims of service connection for hearing loss and tinnitus, finding new and material evidence. The Veteran's hearing loss is found to be incurred in service, and his tinnitus is also found to be incurred in service.

The Veteran's claim for an effective date earlier than February 4, 2012 for a 100% evaluation for anxiety disorder is denied as the earliest ascertainable date of increased symptomatology was within one year of her initial claim.,The Veteran's claims for service connection of bilateral hearing loss and tinnitus are denied as they were not received until after February 16, 2010, which is the earliest possible effective date based on the evidence of record.

The Veteran's tinnitus is found to have originated during his active service and is therefore granted as service connected.

The Veteran's claim for an increased rating for tinnitus has been denied as there is no legal basis to assign a higher evaluation. The Veteran is already receiving the maximum schedular rating for tinnitus.

The Board found no evidence of bilateral hearing loss or tinnitus in service, and the current conditions are not related to service. Therefore, the claims for service connection have been denied.

The Board has granted service connection for the Veteran's bilateral hearing loss, finding that it is at least as likely as not related to his combat exposure during active duty in Vietnam.

The Board has remanded the case for a new hearing before another Veterans Law Judge (VLJ) due to procedural issues.

The Veteran's service-connected disabilities have rendered him unemployable since October 19, 2010.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's tinnitus had its onset during a period of active service and is related to his military noise exposure. However, the Board found no evidence of hearing loss for VA purposes upon separation from service and denied service connection for bilateral hearing loss.

The Veteran's appeal is being remanded for a videoconference hearing before the Board of Veterans' Appeals.

The Veteran's claim for SMC benefits by reason of being housebound or needing regular aid and attendance was denied as he did not meet the legal criteria for either benefit.

The Board has granted the Veteran's claim for service connection for tinnitus, finding that it is at least as likely as not caused by noise exposure during military service.

The Veteran's tinnitus was incurred during active service and the Board grants service connection for this condition.