Tinnitus (ringing in the ears) decisions — 2017

The Veteran's application to reopen the claim of entitlement to service connection for diabetes was denied. The evidence received since the October 2006 decision did not relate to injury or disease in service or a nexus between post-service disability and service.,The Veteran's application to reopen the claim of entitlement to service connection for an acquired psychiatric disorder (major depression) was denied. The evidence received since the October 2006 decision did not relate to injury or disease in service or a nexus between post-service disability and service.,The Veteran's application to reopen the claim of entitlement to service connection for tinnitus was granted. The evidence received since February 2009 addressed the unestablished fact of a current disability, which is new and material.

The Board has remanded the Veteran's claims due to unsuccessful attempts to obtain treatment records from the Arkansas Valley Correctional Facility. The case is now pending for further development and potential readjudication.

The Veteran's service-connected disabilities have rendered him unable to secure or follow a substantially gainful occupation since March 6, 2013.

The Board has granted service connection for tinnitus, finding that the Veteran's current tinnitus is related to his military service. Service connection for bilateral hearing loss was denied as there was no evidence of a nexus between in-service noise exposure and current hearing loss.

The Board has determined that further development is needed to determine if the Veteran's current bilateral hearing loss and tinnitus are related to his service, including any noise exposure. The case is REMANDED for an addendum opinion from a VA examiner.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's bilateral hearing loss and tinnitus are service-connected as they likely originated during active service, resolving all reasonable doubt in favor of the Veteran.

The Board has determined that there is an approximate balance of positive and negative evidence regarding the appellant's bilateral hearing loss disability and tinnitus, and thus grants service connection for these conditions.

The Veteran's claim of service connection for bilateral hearing loss is granted, and the Board finds that his tinnitus is etiologically related to his period of active service.

The Veteran's bilateral hearing loss and tinnitus are related to his active service, with the Board finding that reasonable doubt should be resolved in favor of the Veteran.

The Veteran's claims for higher initial ratings and effective dates for service connection were denied. The Board found that the evidence did not support earlier effective dates or higher initial ratings.

The Veteran's current diagnosed bilateral hearing loss and tinnitus are related to his military service, specifically the acoustic trauma he experienced as an aircraft mechanic. The Board finds that service connection is warranted for these conditions.

The Board has determined that the appellant's National Guard service meets the threshold service requirement for potential receipt of VA compensation benefits, allowing him to pursue claims for service connection on the merits.

The Veteran's service-connected disabilities, including his PTSD and ischemic heart disease, have rendered him unable to secure or follow substantially gainful employment.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's bilateral hearing loss and tinnitus did not manifest during or as a result of active military service, and thus denied both claims.

The Board has remanded the case for consideration of an extra-schedular rating due to the combined effects of the Veteran's service-connected bilateral hearing loss and tinnitus. The appeal is also remanded for further development regarding service connection issues.

The Board found that the Veteran's bilateral hearing loss and tinnitus were not incurred or aggravated by his military service.,Specifically, the evidence did not show a current disability during service, and there is no credible evidence attributing these conditions to service.

The Board has determined that new and material evidence has been received to reopen the Veteran's claims for service connection for right ear hearing loss and tinnitus. The Veteran is found to have a current disability of right ear hearing loss and tinnitus, which are related to his in-service noise exposure. As such, the claims are granted.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's bilateral hearing loss and tinnitus are related to his military service, including exposure to acoustic trauma during active duty and reserve service. As a result, the appeal for service connection is granted.

The Veteran's tinnitus is found to be incurred in service, as it is related to his reported noise exposure during service. Service connection for tinnitus is granted.

The Veteran's service-connected disabilities do not prevent him from obtaining and maintaining substantially gainful employment.