Tinnitus (ringing in the ears) decisions — 2017

The Veteran's hearing loss and tinnitus are related to his in-service noise exposure, but a VA examination is needed to confirm this. The case will be remanded for further development.

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

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

The Board has determined that the Veteran's bilateral hearing loss, tinnitus, right knee disorder, and acquired psychiatric disorder are all service-connected. The rating for the compression fracture of T12-L1 remains at 20 percent.

The Veteran's appeal has been withdrawn prior to the Board making a decision.

The Veteran's right eye disability is not service-connected as it was not incurred during active duty and is not otherwise related to military service.,The Veteran's tinnitus had its onset in service, and the Board finds that his assertions are credible. Service connection for tinnitus is granted.,The Veteran's headaches had their onset in service, and the Board finds that his assertions are credible. Service connection for headaches is granted.

The Board has determined that a remand is necessary to obtain an updated VA audiological examination and review the Veteran's claims for service connection for bilateral hearing loss and tinnitus.

The Veteran's previous occupation as a chiropractor is unsuitable due to his service-connected knee, back, and hip disabilities. The Board finds that additional vocational rehabilitation training under Chapter 31 of Title 38 is warranted.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's right ear hearing loss and tinnitus are at least as likely as not related to noise exposure during his military service, thus granting service connection for these conditions.

The Veteran's appeal is being remanded due to the need for additional development, including obtaining medical records and conducting a VA examination. The issues of service connection for bilateral hearing loss, tinnitus, and prostate cancer are also being addressed.

The Veteran's bilateral hearing loss and tinnitus are found to be related to his service, with the Board granting service connection for both conditions. The right knee disability is granted a rating in excess of 10 percent.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's bilateral hearing loss and tinnitus are at least as likely as not caused by in-service noise exposure, thus granting service connection for these conditions.

The Board has determined that service connection for tinnitus is warranted, and the Veteran's lumbar spine disability is granted an initial evaluation in excess of 10 percent.

The Board has granted service connection for right ear hearing loss, but denied a higher initial rating for tinnitus and left ear hearing loss. The Veteran's claim of entitlement to an increased disability rating for his hearing loss is remanded due to the need for updated VA audiological examination.

The Board has granted service connection for tinnitus, finding that the Veteran's symptoms began during his active service and continue to this day. Service connection was denied for left ear hearing loss due to lack of evidence linking it to military noise exposure.

The Board has found that the Veteran's currently diagnosed tinnitus was incurred during active service. The claim for bilateral hearing loss is remanded due to insufficient evidence.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's bilateral hearing loss and tinnitus are related to his in-service noise exposure, resulting in a grant of service connection for both conditions.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's current bilateral hearing loss and tinnitus are not related to service, as there is no evidence of in-service noise exposure or chronic symptoms since service. The Veteran's PTSD was also found not to be directly related to service. As such, service connection for these conditions is denied.

The Veteran's bilateral hearing loss and tinnitus are found to have had their onset during service, with the tinnitus being related to in-service noise exposure. Service connection is granted for both conditions.

The Board has determined that further development is needed to address the Veteran's claims for service connection for bilateral hearing loss and tinnitus. The case is being remanded to obtain additional medical records, clarify the factual history of noise exposure during service, and provide an updated opinion from a VA examiner.