Tinnitus (ringing in the ears) decisions — 2018

The Veteran's TDIU claim was denied due to the evidence showing that he is able to secure and follow substantially gainful work. The RO granted service connection for additional disabilities during the pendency of this appeal, including prostate cancer residuals, erectile dysfunction, PTSD, mood disorder, diabetes, bilateral peripheral neuropathy of the upper and lower extremities, tinnitus, and left ear hearing loss. The Veteran has not received a VA examination to determine the functional impact that these additional service-connected disabilities have on his employment.

The Board found that the Veteran's right and left ear hearing loss disabilities were not incurred in or aggravated by service, as they existed prior to service entry. The tinnitus was also not shown to be related to service.,For his left ankle degenerative joint disease, a VA examination is needed to assess the current range of motion and any additional functional loss due to pain during flare-ups.

The Veteran's appeal was dismissed due to his withdrawal of the right ear hearing loss issue. The remaining claims were denied as there is no legal basis for a higher rating.

The Board has decided that the VA examination is inadequate and needs to be supplemented with a new one or another VA examiner review of the claims file. The Veteran's hearing loss and tinnitus need further evaluation.

The Veteran's bilateral hearing loss and tinnitus are found to be related to his in-service exposure to significant acoustic trauma while serving as a U.S. Army infantryman in combat in Vietnam, and the claims for service connection are granted.

The Veteran's service connection claim for bilateral tinnitus is granted as the evidence supports a finding that his current condition is related to his military service, specifically his duties as a missile launch officer where he was exposed to excessive noise.

The Veteran's tinnitus was found to have been incurred in service, and his acquired psychiatric disorder is considered a direct result of service. The Veteran's migraine headaches are also granted with an increased evaluation.

The Veteran's tinnitus did not manifest within one year of separation from service and there is no evidence linking the current condition to his active duty. The Board finds that the weight of the evidence is against the claim.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's bilateral hearing loss and tinnitus are not related to his active duty service, and therefore denied both claims.

The Veteran's claims of service connection for bilateral hearing loss and tinnitus have been denied as there is no evidence showing a current disability, or a link between the claimed conditions and his active duty service.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's current bilateral hearing loss and tinnitus are not related to her period of service, and thus denied both claims.

The Board has granted the Veteran's claim of service connection for tinnitus, finding that new and material evidence was received since the last denial in January 2005. The Board also found that the Veteran's lay statements regarding ringing in his ears during service and continuity of symptoms since service are credible enough to establish a link between his current condition and service.

The Veteran's TDIU claim is granted as his service-connected bilateral hearing loss and tinnitus render him unable to secure or follow substantially gainful employment.

The Veteran's appeal is being remanded for additional development to address the adequacy of previous examinations and opinions, as well as to obtain updated VA treatment records.

The Veteran's tinnitus was found to have originated during service. However, his right and left ear hearing loss do not meet the criteria for service connection as stated in VA regulations. The Board granted service connection for a right shoulder disorder but denied service connection for heart palpitations, headaches, shortness of breath, and fatigue.

The Veteran's appeal is being remanded for additional development to obtain medical records and provide a new VA examination.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's tinnitus is related to his in-service noise exposure and service connection is granted.

The Veteran's bilateral hearing loss and tinnitus are found to be related to his military service, with the Board resolving reasonable doubt in favor of the Veteran.

The Veteran's tinnitus and bilateral hearing loss are found to be related to his active service, with the Board granting service connection for both conditions.

The Veteran's bilateral hearing loss disability and tinnitus are found to be related to service. Service connection is granted for these conditions.