Tinnitus (ringing in the ears) decisions — 2016

The Veteran's tinnitus is at least as likely as not the result of acoustic trauma during service. The Board finds that his reports of an onset of tinnitus are credible and consistent with the era and circumstances of his Vietnam service, and with his military occupational specialty as a track mechanic.

The Veteran's tinnitus and right ear hearing loss are found to be related to his in-service exposure to loud noise, including from firing rifles. The Board grants service connection for these conditions.

The Veteran's tinnitus and bilateral hearing loss have been granted service connection, with no rating assigned.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's bilateral hearing loss and tinnitus are at least as likely as not incurred during his active service. Service connection is granted for these conditions.

The Board has granted service connection for bilateral tinnitus, finding that the Veteran's tinnitus had its onset in active service. The issue of entitlement to service connection for bilateral hearing loss is remanded due to lack of a VA examination.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's bilateral hearing loss is incurred in or otherwise the result of military service, to include exposure to loud noise due to arms and munitions fire as an infantryman therein. The Veteran's tinnitus claim is remanded for additional development.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's current bilateral hearing loss and tinnitus are at least as likely as not related to his in-service acoustic trauma, thus granting service connection for these conditions.

The Veteran's tinnitus is found to be etiologically related to his active duty service, and the Board grants service connection for this condition. The issue of service connection for vertigo remains pending.

The Veteran's headaches, depression, and right ear hearing loss are all found to be related to service. Tinnitus is also found to be related to service.

The Veteran's claim for an increased rating for his lumbar spine disability was denied as the evidence did not show that he had unfavorable ankylosis of the entire thoracolumbar spine or the entire spine, and there were no incapacitating episodes due to intervertebral disc syndrome (IVDS).,The Board found that the Veteran's service-connected disabilities rendered him unable to secure and follow substantially gainful employment since June 9, 2009.

The Veteran's appeal is being remanded for additional development, including obtaining updated VA treatment records and arranging for a VA examination to determine the etiology of his claimed disabilities.

The Board has determined that the Veteran does not have tinnitus due to service, and therefore denied his claim.

The Veteran's appeal is being remanded for additional development to address the etiology of his tinnitus and hyperacusis, as well as evaluate his service connection claims. The case will be returned for further appellate review.

The Veteran's tinnitus was found to be service-connected, with the Board resolving all reasonable doubt in his favor.,Further development is required for the low back disorder claim due to conflicting evidence and need for clarification of the etiology.

The Veteran's service-connected seizure disorder rendered him unable to secure and follow a substantially gainful occupation from January 23, 2007 to September 30, 2011. After that date, his other service-connected disabilities did not render him unemployable.

The Board found that the Veteran's tinnitus is not related to his military service, specifically noting inconsistencies in the Veteran's statements regarding when and where his tinnitus began.

The case is being remanded for additional development to address the nature and cause of the Veteran's bilateral hearing loss and tinnitus, including a review of service entrance and separation examination audiometry.

The Veteran's claim for a compensable rating for his service-connected skin disability manifested by multiple warts was denied. The Board found that the condition did not meet the criteria for any higher rating under the applicable diagnostic codes.

The Board found that the Veteran did not have a current hearing loss disability for VA purposes and denied his claims of service connection for bilateral hearing loss and tinnitus. The Board also noted that tinnitus did not become manifest to a degree of 10 percent or more within one year of service separation.

The Board has determined that the Veteran does not have current left ear hearing loss, right ear hearing loss, or tinnitus that manifested during service or to a compensable degree within one year thereafter. Therefore, his claims for these conditions are denied.