Tinnitus (ringing in the ears) decisions — 2017

The Board has determined that further development is needed before the claims can be decided on their merits. The Veteran's hearing loss and tinnitus are being referred back to the AOJ for additional examination and consideration.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's tinnitus is related to noise exposure during service and grants service connection for this condition.

The Veteran's death was caused by alcohol abuse, which is secondary to his service-connected PTSD.,The Veteran did not meet the criteria for DIC benefits under 38 U.S.C.A. § 1318.

The Veteran's claims for service connection for bilateral hearing loss and tinnitus were denied. The Board found that the evidence did not support a finding of in-service incurrence or aggravation, and that any current conditions are less likely than not related to service. For his heart disorder claim secondary to herbicide exposure, the VA examination was inadequate as it did not address other diagnosed heart disorders such as hypertension and an enlarged heart.

The Veteran's tinnitus was granted service connection as it is considered a chronic disease. The issue of residuals of frostbite injuries of the feet remains pending and requires further examination.

The Board has denied service connection for bilateral hearing loss and granted service connection for tinnitus. The issue of residuals of a broken nose, to include sinus problems is pending as the Veteran contends these conditions are related to an auto accident during active duty.

The Veteran's claims for service connection for a low back disability and right ear hearing loss have been reopened, and he is now service-connected for these conditions. His tinnitus claim has also been reopened.,He was granted increased ratings for his bilateral pes planus disabilities.

The Veteran's tinnitus is found to have been incurred during his active duty service, and the Board grants service connection for this condition.

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

The Board found that the Veteran's tinnitus is not related to service and denied his claim. For his right elbow arthritis, the Board determined that a rating of 10 percent was appropriate based on limitation of motion.

The Veteran's bilateral hearing loss disability is rated at 50 percent, and he meets the criteria for a TDIU based on his service-connected disabilities.

The Veteran's service-connected disabilities render him unable to secure and follow a substantially gainful occupation, warranting the grant of TDIU.

The Board has granted the Veteran's claim to reopen his claims for service connection for tinnitus and bilateral hearing loss. It has also established that his tinnitus is related to active service.

The Veteran's appeal is being remanded to the AOJ for additional development, including obtaining VA treatment records and scheduling a VA medical examination. The purpose of this development is to provide an adequate statement of reasons or bases regarding the Veteran's claim of entitlement to TDIU.

The Board has granted a rating of 70 percent for PTSD, the highest available under the General Rating Formula for Mental Disorders. The Veteran's PTSD is characterized by occupational and social impairment with deficiencies in most areas due to symptoms such as suicidal ideation, obsessional rituals, near-continuous panic or depression affecting ability to function independently, appropriate and effectively, and impaired impulse control.

The Veteran's appeal involves multiple conditions and issues, including service connection for various disorders. The Board has remanded the case due to scheduling issues.

The Veteran's hearing loss and tinnitus have not been shown to be related to service, with the exception of possible noise exposure during service. The Board finds that the evidence does not meet the criteria for service connection.

The Veteran's claim for service connection for left ear hearing loss and tinnitus was denied as the evidence did not meet the criteria for a disability for VA purposes.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's current tinnitus is etiologically related to his active service, and therefore grants the claim for service connection for tinnitus.

The Board has determined that the appellant does not currently have a hearing loss disability for VA compensation purposes and therefore, service connection for bilateral hearing loss is denied.