Tinnitus (ringing in the ears) decisions — 2018

The Veteran's appeal is being remanded for additional development to obtain missing service treatment records, a new VA audiological examination, and an in-person cardiac examination. The issues of entitlement to service connection for hearing loss and tinnitus, as well as the rating for ischemic heart disease, will be reconsidered after these actions.

The Board denied a request for an effective date prior to December 20, 2012 for the grant of service connection for tinnitus. The Veteran's claim was not considered as reopening his previous claim due to lack of formal or informal claims between April 2006 and December 2012.

The Board has reopened the Veteran's claims for service connection for bilateral hearing loss and tinnitus, and finds that both conditions are related to his period of active duty.

The Board found that the Veteran's bilateral hearing loss and tinnitus were not incurred or aggravated by his period of active service. The Veteran's left ear hearing loss was noted at entry but improved during service, while right ear hearing loss did not worsen during service.

The Board has determined that service connection is warranted for the Veteran's right shoulder disorder, but not for his bilateral hearing loss and tinnitus.

The Veteran's appeal is remanded due to the need for clarification of a private audiometric test and for additional VA medical opinions regarding his hearing loss disability and tinnitus.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's bilateral hearing loss and tinnitus are related to his in-service noise exposure, thus granting service connection for these conditions.

The Veteran's melanoma status post surgeries was not present during service or for many years thereafter, and is not etiologically related to active duty service. The presumption of service connection as a chronic disease is not applicable.,There is no current diagnosis or other competent finding of COPD. The Veteran does not have COPD.,The Veteran's hearing loss is not caused by an event, disease or injury in active duty service and the presumption of service connection as a chronic disease is not applicable.,The Veteran's tinnitus is not caused by an event, disease or injury in active duty service and the presumption of service connection as a chronic disease is not applicable.,The Veteran's acquired psychiatric disorder (to include depression and memory loss) is not etiologically related to active duty service and the presumption of service connection as a chronic disease is not applicable.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's bilateral hearing loss and tinnitus are not linked to disease or injury incurred in active service, and therefore denied both claims.

The Veteran's claims for bilateral hearing loss and tinnitus have been granted as they are found to be related to his service. The claim for periodontal disease has been denied due to it not being a compensable disability.

The Veteran's tinnitus is etiologically related to active duty service and the Board has granted service connection for this condition.

The Veteran's service-connected disabilities, including bilateral hearing loss and multiple other conditions, have rendered her unable to secure and follow a substantially gainful occupation. The AOJ has determined that she is entitled to TDIU on an extraschedular basis.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's bilateral hearing loss and tinnitus are related to his military service, with no other basis for connection provided. The claims have been granted.

The Board has determined that the evidence is at least in equipoise as to whether the Veteran's currently diagnosed bilateral hearing loss and tinnitus are related to his military service, thus granting service connection for these conditions.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's bilateral hearing loss and tinnitus are related to his military service, with the evidence being at least in equipoise as to whether they were caused by noise exposure during service. Service connection is granted for both conditions.

The Veteran is granted an effective date of April 6, 2015 for the assignment of a 10 percent disability rating for bilateral hearing loss. The earlier effective date for service connection for tinnitus remains denied.,The Veteran's claim to reopen his previously denied claim of service connection for tinnitus was received on April 30, 2013 and granted with an effective date of that same day.

The Board has remanded the case for additional development, including obtaining service treatment records and private medical records. The appellant's status as a Veteran and his claims for service connection will be reconsidered.

The Veteran's claims of service connection for sleep apnea and hypertension have been granted. The remaining claims are pending.,The Veteran's claims of service connection for a respiratory disability and left foot disability remain pending as new and material evidence has not been received to reopen them.,Service connection is granted for tinnitus, but the cause remains unknown due to conflicting dates provided by the Veteran.,Service connection is denied for vitiligo. The cause remains unknown due to conflicting dates provided by the Veteran.,The Veteran's claims of service connection for a left ankle disability and shoulder disability remain pending as new and material evidence has not been received to reopen them.,The Veteran's claims of service connection for bilateral hearing loss, tinnitus, left arm disability, and left leg disability remain pending as new and material evidence has not been received to reopen them.

The Board has denied the Veteran's claims for service connection for bilateral hearing loss, right shoulder injury (claimed as bilateral shoulder injury/pain), left shoulder injury (claimed as bilateral shoulder injury/pain), right leg injury (claimed as bilateral leg injury/pain), and left leg injury (claimed as bilateral leg injury/pain). The Veteran has not appealed these decisions.

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