Tinnitus (ringing in the ears) decisions — 2018

The Veteran's tinnitus is caused by his service-connected bilateral hearing loss, and the Board finds that service connection for tinnitus as secondary to service-connected bilateral hearing loss is warranted.

The Board has decided to remand the case for further development due to a need to consider new evidence and opinions regarding the etiology of the appellant's hearing loss and tinnitus.

The Board denied the Veteran's motion alleging clear and unmistakable error in the assignment of a noncompensable rating for tinnitus from December 16, 1969 to June 10, 1999. The Board also denied his request for an earlier effective date for service connection of diabetes mellitus.

The Board has determined that the VA examinations and opinions are inadequate, and an adequate VA supplemental opinion is required to review and discuss the relevant evidence above to determine whether it is at least as likely as not (50 percent or greater probability) hearing loss and tinnitus originated during active service or were otherwise caused by or related to active service. Outstanding medical records should also be obtained.

The Board found that the original decision granting service connection for tinnitus was not clearly erroneous and thus denied the request to sever this condition.

The Veteran's tinnitus is related to service, but he does not have current hearing loss for VA purposes. The claim for an acquired psychiatric disorder remains pending as the issue of PTSD has been addressed.

The Veteran's tinnitus is found to be related to his active duty service and he has a current disability. The dental condition, however, does not meet the criteria for compensation as it did not result in loss of substance of the body of the maxilla or mandible.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's tinnitus is etiologically related to service, resolving all doubt in favor of the Veteran.

The Board finds that the Veteran's service-connected disabilities do not meet the criteria for a TDIU as they are not severe enough to prevent him from securing and following substantially gainful employment.

The Board has granted service connection for bilateral hearing loss and tinnitus, finding that the Veteran's symptoms are related to his active duty service.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's claimed bilateral hearing loss and tinnitus are not service-connected as there is no evidence of a nexus between his current conditions and his active duty service, including noise exposure.

The Veteran's appeal is being remanded for additional development, including scheduling a VA psychiatric examination to assess the severity of his PTSD and its impact on employment.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's tinnitus is at least as likely as not related to his service, including exposure to loud noises during combat.

The Veteran's tinnitus is found to have had its onset during service and the Board grants service connection for this condition.

The Veteran's PTSD, right ear hearing loss, tinnitus, and headaches are all found to be related to his service. The Veteran is granted service connection for these conditions.

The Veteran's tinnitus was found to be incurred during active duty service and granted as a result.

The Veteran's appeal is being remanded due to the need for additional examinations and opinions regarding his tinnitus and right shoulder condition claims.

The Veteran's claim for service connection for tinnitus was granted, and his PTSD rating was increased to 70 percent. The decision on the PTSD issue is based on evidence that supports a direct relationship between the disability and service.

The Board has granted service connection for bilateral hearing loss, tinnitus, and a painful chest scar. The Veteran's preexisting bilateral hearing loss was found to be aggravated by service. Service connection for tinnitus is also granted as it is proximately due to his service-connected bilateral hearing loss. An initial 10% rating is assigned for the Veteran's painful chest scar.

The Board has granted service connection for tinnitus and an increased rating to 70 percent for PTSD with MDD, finding that the Veteran's symptoms meet the criteria for a 70 percent disability rating. Service connection for hypertension was not addressed as it is being remanded.