Tinnitus (ringing in the ears) decisions — 2018

The Veteran's tinnitus and arteriosclerotic heart disease (coronary artery disease) have been granted service connection, with the latter being presumed due to herbicide exposure. The VA has determined that the Veteran visited the perimeter of Udorn RTAFB in Thailand during his service, establishing herbicide exposure.

The Veteran's appeal is being remanded due to the need for additional examinations and medical opinions regarding his TBI, hepatitis C, bilateral hearing loss, tinnitus, and service connection claims.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's bilateral hearing loss and tinnitus were not incurred during service, as there is no evidence of in-service noise exposure or manifestation of these conditions. The claim for service connection for both conditions is therefore denied.

The Board has granted service connection for tinnitus, finding that the Veteran's longstanding complaints of tinnitus are related to his in-service noise exposure. The cardiovascular disorder issue is remanded for additional development.

The Veteran's tinnitus and bilateral hearing loss are found to be at least as likely as not incurred in service, with the Board resolving reasonable doubt in his favor.

The Board has determined that the appellant currently has tinnitus and bilateral hearing loss, both of which were incurred during his active military service. The claim for service connection is granted.

The Board has granted service connection for bilateral tinnitus, finding that new and material evidence was presented to reopen the claim. The Veteran's testimony regarding in-service noise exposure is considered credible.,Regarding COPD, the Board finds that a VA examination is needed to determine if it is at least as likely as not related to the Veteran's time in service or his exposure to herbicide agents.

The Veteran's tinnitus is found to be caused by his time in service, and the claim for service connection is granted.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's bilateral hearing loss, tinnitus, and right foot Achilles tendonitis are related to his service. The evidence is in equipoise as to whether these conditions were caused or aggravated by noise exposure during service for bilateral hearing loss and tinnitus, and by injuries sustained while running in combat boots for right foot Achilles tendonitis.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's bilateral hearing loss and tinnitus are related to his military service, including exposure to loud noises during combat in Vietnam. As a result, the claims for service connection have been granted.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's tinnitus likely began during active service and is granting service connection for this condition.

The Veteran's appeal is being remanded to allow for a DRO hearing due to the failure of the RO to provide the requested hearing.

The Board has determined that additional development is needed to verify the Veteran's service in the Nebraska Army National Guard and obtain any available service personnel and treatment records. The Veteran should also be afforded a VA examination to determine the nature and etiology of his bilateral hearing loss and tinnitus.

The Veteran's appeal for service connection on multiple issues has been granted, including bilateral hearing loss and tinnitus. The Board also found that the Veteran's back disability is related to his in-service examination, and his right and left knee disabilities are secondary to his back disability.

The Board has determined that additional development is needed to verify the appellant's periods of Federalized service and obtain medical records. The case will be remanded for these actions.

The Board finds that the evidence is at least in equipoise as to whether the Veteran's tinnitus is related to his active service, and thus grants service connection for tinnitus.

The Board denied the Veteran's claims for a higher rating for tinnitus and hearing loss, finding that the current schedular ratings adequately describe his disability level. The claim for TDIU is also denied as it is inextricably intertwined with the hearing loss and tinnitus claims.

The Veteran's bilateral hearing loss and tinnitus are found to be related to his active service, with the Board finding that these conditions were incurred in service.

The Board has determined that additional development is needed to determine the etiology of the Veteran's bilateral hearing loss and tinnitus, as opinions based solely on the absence of in-service treatment records are inadequate. The case will be remanded for further action.

The Veteran's appeal is being remanded for additional development, including obtaining a VA examination and an addendum opinion to address the nature and etiology of his bilateral hearing loss and tinnitus.