Tinnitus (ringing in the ears) decisions — 2017

The Veteran's claim for service connection for tinnitus is being remanded due to his failure to report for a scheduled VA examination. The AOJ will arrange a new examination and ensure appropriate VCAA notice is provided.

The Board has remanded the case due to missing or incomplete records, including treatment records and documentation of Medicare Part B payments. The Veteran is asked to provide information about his medical care providers and payment history.

The Veteran's ischemic heart disease is presumed to be due to herbicide exposure in Vietnam. His tinnitus and bilateral hearing loss are not service connected.

The Board has determined that the Veteran does not have a current bilateral hearing loss disability or tinnitus disability, and therefore cannot establish service connection for these conditions.

The Veteran's bilateral hearing loss and tinnitus are not service-connected as they did not manifest during active duty or within one year of separation.,The Veteran's hypertension is service-connected as it was present in service.

The Board has dismissed the appeal of the issue regarding service connection for tinnitus due to a full grant of the benefit sought on appeal with respect to that issue. The Veteran's current bilateral hearing loss disability is not the result of disease or injury in service.

The Board found that the Veteran's obstructive sleep apnea, bilateral hearing loss, and tinnitus are not service-connected as they were not caused or aggravated by his military service. The VA examiner concluded that the Veteran's current conditions are more likely due to obesity for sleep apnea, and noise exposure is not shown to have caused his hearing loss and tinnitus.

The Veteran's tinnitus is found to be service-connected as it was present during his active duty and has continued since then.

The Veteran was exposed to noise during service and has experienced symptoms of bilateral hearing loss and tinnitus continuously since separation from service. The Board finds that the criteria for service connection have been met.

The Veteran's claims for service connection for bilateral hearing loss and tinnitus are being remanded due to the need for additional development, including a new VA examination.

The Board has granted service connection for tinnitus, finding that the Veteran's current tinnitus is attributable to his in-service noise exposure. Service connection was denied for bilateral hearing loss.

The Veteran's hypertension and tinnitus have been rated at the maximum disability rating of 10 percent, and there is no evidence showing that either condition warrants a higher rating.

The Board has denied the Veteran's claims for service connection for tinnitus and right ear hearing loss, finding no current disability in either case. The claim for an initial compensable evaluation for left ear hearing loss is also denied.

The Veteran's need for special monthly compensation based on Aid and Attendance/Housebound has been established, as he is in need of regular aid and assistance due to his service-connected disabilities. The spouse's need for aid and attendance allowance has also been granted.

The Board has remanded the case for additional development due to inconsistencies in the medical opinions and need for clarification regarding the Veteran's exposure to noise during service.

The Veteran's service-connected disabilities do not render him unemployable, as he has been self-employed for over thirty years and missed an average of 4-6 days a month due to his conditions. The evidence does not show marked interference with employment.

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

The Board has remanded the case for further development and readjudication of the Veteran's claims regarding tinnitus, hypertension, and diabetes mellitus type II.

The Veteran's bilateral tinnitus is service-connected due to noise exposure in service.,Sarcoidosis was diagnosed in service and the Veteran continues to experience symptoms, warranting service connection on a presumptive basis.

The Board has granted service connection for left ear hearing loss and tinnitus, finding that the Veteran's lay statements of in-service noise exposure are credible. The heart disorder claim is remanded as new VA examination and opinion are needed to determine if it was incurred during service or due to Agent Orange exposure.