Tinnitus (ringing in the ears) decisions — 2017

The Veteran is not shown by the record evidence to have been unable to obtain or maintain substantially gainful occupation as a result of service-connected disabilities.

The Veteran's service-connected disabilities do not preclude him from securing or following a substantially gainful occupation.

The Board found clear and unmistakable error in the June 1996 rating decision that denied service connection for a deviated septum. However, it did not find CUE in the June 1996 rating decision that assigned a noncompensable disability rating for tinnitus.

The Board has granted service connection for tinnitus, finding that the Veteran's in-service noise exposure is at least as likely as not related to his current condition. The remaining claims of service connection for bilateral hearing loss, left knee disability, back disability, and neck disability are remanded for additional development.

The Veteran's appeal has been withdrawn and is therefore dismissed.

The Board has found service connection warranted for peripheral neuropathy, gastrointestinal issues, bilateral hearing loss, tinnitus, and a back disability. Service connection is denied for hypertension.

The Veteran's tinnitus and left ear hearing loss disability are established as service-connected. The right ear hearing loss disability is not established.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's bilateral hearing loss and tinnitus are related to his in-service noise exposure, and thus service connection is granted.

The Board has granted service connection for bilateral hearing loss and tinnitus, finding that the Veteran's current conditions are related to his in-service noise exposure.,Service connection for hypertension is being remanded as there is insufficient evidence regarding its relationship to the Veteran's military service.

The Board has determined that the evidence is in equipoise as to whether the Veteran's bilateral hearing loss and tinnitus originated during or are otherwise related to his in-service noise exposure, thus granting service connection for both conditions.

The Veteran's claims for increased rating for tinnitus, service connection for bilateral hearing loss, and service connection for an acquired psychiatric disorder (secondary to service-connected tinnitus) are denied. The Board finds that the evidence does not support a finding of direct service connection for these conditions.

The Veteran's appeal is remanded due to inadequate VA examination opinions regarding the etiology of his hearing loss and its relationship to service-connected tinnitus.

The Veteran's claim for special monthly compensation based on the need for regular aid and attendance of another person or by reason of being housebound is remanded due to incomplete examination report. Additional evidence may be needed from private or VA treatment providers.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's current bilateral hearing loss and tinnitus are related to his military service, warranting service connection for these conditions.

The Board has vacated the May 2012 decision, finding that due process was not followed in denying reopening of claims for service connection for bilateral hearing loss and tinnitus.

The Veteran's appeal has been withdrawn by his representative prior to the Board issuing a decision.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's current bilateral hearing loss and tinnitus disabilities are not related to his military service, and thus denied both claims.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's tinnitus and right ear hearing loss are not related to his service, and thus denied both claims.

The Veteran's tinnitus is related to his active military service, and the Board finds that the criteria for service connection are met.

The Veteran's appeal is being remanded for additional development to obtain VA treatment records and verify in-country service on the USS Oriskany. The claim of service connection for diabetes mellitus, type II will be adjudicated according to M21-1 procedures.