Tinnitus (ringing in the ears) decisions — 2018

The Veteran's bilateral hearing loss and tinnitus are related to noise exposure during periods of INACDUTRA, while the hip disorder and skin disorder may be linked to service or an injury incurred during a period of active duty for training (ACDUTRA) or inactive duty for training (INACDUTRA).

The Board has determined that the Veteran's bilateral hearing loss and tinnitus are causally related to his military service, with noise exposure during active duty as an Aviation Ordnanceman. As such, these conditions have been granted service connection.

The Board denied the Veteran's claims for increased ratings for bilateral hearing loss and tinnitus, as well as his claim for service connection for an acquired psychiatric disorder. The decision also noted that the Veteran had not been afforded a VA examination to determine the etiology of his acquired psychiatric disorder.

The Veteran's claim for service connection for tinnitus is granted, with the Board finding that the evidence is at least in relative equipoise as to whether his tinnitus had its onset during active service. The issue of service connection for bilateral hearing loss remains pending and will be remanded for further development.

The Board found no evidence of a nexus between the Veteran's current bilateral hearing loss and tinnitus and his military service, including noise exposure. The claims for service connection were denied.

The Board has granted service connection for tinnitus and is reopening the claim of service connection for bilateral hearing loss. The Veteran's tinnitus was found to have had its clinical onset during active service or is related to his conceded in-service noise exposure.

The Board denied an earlier effective date for the grant of service connection for all disabilities, finding that no claim was made prior to November 18, 2010.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's bilateral hearing loss and tinnitus are related to his service, including exposure to noise in training. As such, these conditions have been granted as service-connected.

The Veteran's bilateral hearing loss, tinnitus, lumbosacral and cervical spine disabilities had their onset in active service or are related to in-service injuries. The Board finds that the most probative evidence of record shows that these conditions have a direct relationship with his military service.

The Veteran's PTSD is currently rated at 50 percent, but the Board finds that he does not meet the criteria for a higher rating. The Veteran also did not meet the schedular requirements for TDIU due to his service-connected disabilities, and therefore, an extraschedular referral was not warranted.

The Veteran's tinnitus is found to be etiologically related to his in-service hazardous noise exposure, and the claim for service connection is granted.

The Veteran's cervical spine disability is currently rated at 30 percent, and his other service-connected conditions do not preclude him from securing and following a substantially gainful occupation.

The Veteran's claim for sleep apnea was denied as he does not have a current disability.,The Veteran's claim for bilateral hearing loss was denied as his auditory thresholds do not meet the VA regulatory threshold.

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

The Veteran's tinnitus was incurred during service and has been recurrent since then. The Board grants service connection for tinnitus.

The Board has determined that the July 2013 VA examination is inadequate and requires a new opinion regarding the etiology of the Veteran's bilateral hearing loss and tinnitus. The case is remanded for further development.

The Veteran's tinnitus was found to have onset during service and is presumed incurred therein. The Board granted service connection for this condition.

The Board finds that the Veteran's current tinnitus began during his military service and grants service connection for tinnitus.

The Veteran's tinnitus, residuals of a head injury (including hearing loss and/or tinnitus), chronic fatigue syndrome, gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD), sleep disorder, joint pain, and muscle pain are not service-connected.,While the Veteran reported symptoms related to these conditions during his military service, there is no evidence in the record that any of these conditions were incurred or aggravated by such service. The Board finds that the preponderance of the evidence is against the claims for service connection.

The Veteran's right ear disability, tympanic membrane perforation of the right ear, was noted at enlistment and not aggravated during service. The preexisting right ear hearing loss was also noted at enlistment and did not increase in severity during service.,The Veteran's left ear hearing loss was not shown during service or for many years thereafter, and is not related to service. Tinnitus was present at separation from service.