Tinnitus (ringing in the ears) decisions — 2016

The Board has reopened the Veteran's claims for service connection for bilateral hearing loss, low back disability, and tinnitus. However, these claims are being remanded due to outstanding evidence needed to substantiate the claims.

The Veteran's bilateral hearing loss disability and tinnitus are attributable to service, and the Board finds that service connection is warranted for these conditions.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's tinnitus began in service and is related to noise exposure, thus granting service connection for tinnitus.

The Veteran does not have hearing loss, tinnitus, residuals of a fractured nose, or right ankle disability that was caused or aggravated by service.

The Veteran's claim for service connection for loss of teeth due to periodontal disease, bilateral hearing loss, and tinnitus has been denied. The Board found that the Veteran is legally precluded from entitlement to service connection for compensation purposes for his diabetes, which contributed to his loss of teeth.

The Board has determined that additional development is needed for the Veteran's claims, including obtaining medical records and scheduling examinations. The issues of service connection for a right shoulder disorder, hepatitis C, tinnitus, erectile dysfunction secondary to PTSD, and an increased evaluation for PTSD are being remanded.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's current bilateral hearing loss and tinnitus are related to his military service, including noise exposure. As a result, both conditions have been granted service connection.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's current diagnoses of bilateral hearing loss, tinnitus, and actinic keratosis are related to service due to noise exposure. Service connection is granted for these conditions.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's tinnitus did not manifest during service or within one year of separation, and there is no evidence linking his current condition to military noise exposure. As such, service connection for tinnitus cannot be granted.

The Veteran's tinnitus as likely as not manifested as a result of exposure to acoustic trauma during service, and the Board granted service connection for this condition.

The Veteran's service-connected disabilities, including bilateral hearing loss, frostbite residuals, PTSD, and tinnitus, prevent him from obtaining or retaining substantially gainful employment. The Board finds that a TDIU is warranted.

The Board has granted service connection for tinnitus, finding that the Veteran's in-service noise exposure is causally related to his current condition. Service connection for bilateral hearing loss was denied as there is no evidence of a current disability meeting VA criteria.

The Board has determined that service connection is granted for tinnitus, as the Veteran reported hearing loss and tinnitus since service. Service connection for bilateral hearing loss was not established due to lack of evidence showing a current disability related to service.

The Board has determined that new and material evidence has been received to reopen the Veteran's claim for service connection of bilateral hearing loss disability. The Veteran is found to have a current disability of tinnitus, but not of bilateral hearing loss. Service connection for tinnitus is granted.

The Veteran's claims for higher initial ratings and TDIU were denied. The Board found that the evidence did not meet the criteria for a higher rating or TDIU based on service-connected conditions.

The Board has determined that there is no evidence of a current hearing loss disability for VA compensation purposes and no diagnosis or other findings of tinnitus. Therefore, the claims for service connection for bilateral hearing loss and tinnitus are denied.

The Veteran's appeal is being remanded for additional development, including obtaining service personnel records and medical records, scheduling VA examinations, and attempting to obtain outstanding treatment records.

The Board has granted service connection for a lumbar spine disability. The issues of bilateral hearing loss, tinnitus, and removal of ingrown toenail from the left fifth toe are dismissed due to withdrawal by the Veteran.

The Board has reopened the claims of service connection for bilateral hearing loss and tinnitus, finding that new and material evidence has been received. The Veteran's tinnitus is found to have its onset during active service and is considered secondary to his service-connected disability.

The Veteran's lower back disability was not incurred in or aggravated by service. His left ear hearing loss and gastroesophageal disability are pending as additional evidence is needed to determine their etiology.