Tinnitus (ringing in the ears) decisions — 2018

The Veteran's acquired psychiatric disorder, other than PTSD, was caused by active service. The evidence of record does not support a current diagnosis of PTSD.

The Veteran's right elbow disorder appeal was withdrawn.,Service connection for hearing loss and low back disorders is not warranted as the evidence does not show a current disability or link to service.,Service connection for tinnitus has been granted as there is no doubt that it began during service and is related to noise exposure in service.,The Veteran's right and left knee disorders are not service-connected as there is no probative evidence of a chronic disorder since service.

The Veteran's tinnitus is etiologically related to the acoustic trauma he sustained in active service, and the Board finds that service connection for tinnitus is warranted.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's tinnitus is related to his military service and grants service connection for this condition.

The Veteran's service-connected disabilities (panic disorder with depression, tinnitus, and left ear hearing loss) may result in unemployability. The VA has not yet properly developed the TDIU claim by obtaining SSA records and completing a VA Form 21-4192 from his former employers.

The Veteran's claim for service connection for diabetes mellitus was reopened and granted based on evidence showing the condition is due to his time in service.,Service connection for hypertension, erectile dysfunction, and tinnitus were also granted as they are related to the Veteran's service-connected diabetes mellitus.

The Veteran's appeals for service connection for bilateral hearing loss and tinnitus have been dismissed as the appeal has been withdrawn.

The Board has dismissed the Veteran's claims for TBI and headaches. The service connection claims for dental trauma, bilateral hearing loss, and tinnitus have been denied as new and material evidence was not submitted to reopen these previously denied claims.

The Board has remanded the case for additional development, including obtaining updated VA treatment records and scheduling a medical examination to assess the functional impact of the Veteran's service-connected disabilities on his ability to work.

The Board has remanded the Veteran's claims for additional development due to several issues, including a need for new VA opinions on left knee and ankle disorders, low back disorder, tinnitus, and psychiatric disorders.

The Veteran's combined disability rating has been at least 70 percent, with 'one service-connected disability' ratable at at least 40 percent. However, the evidence does not show that his service-connected disabilities render him unable to secure or follow a substantially gainful occupation.

The Veteran's left ear hearing loss disability and tinnitus are etiologically related to acoustic trauma sustained in active service. The right ear hearing loss disability is still under review.

The Board has determined that new and material evidence has been received to reopen the Veteran's claims for service connection for tinnitus and bilateral hearing loss. The Veteran is found to have incurred these conditions during his active duty service, with tinnitus being less likely related to service due to lack of in-service complaints and bilateral hearing loss not having manifested until decades after service separation.

The Board finds that the Veteran's service-connected disabilities, standing alone, effectively preclude all forms of substantially gainful employment.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's tinnitus and bilateral hearing loss are service-connected, with the evidence being at least in equipoise as to whether these conditions were incurred or aggravated by service.

The Board denied the Veteran's claim for service connection for tinnitus, finding that there was no evidence of a current disability during or within one year after service and concluding that the Veteran did not provide competent medical evidence linking his current condition to service.

The Veteran's appeal has been dismissed due to his death during the pendency of the appeal.

The Board has granted the Veteran's claims to reopen service connection for tinnitus and a perforated right ear drum. The underlying issues are addressed in the REMAND portion of this decision.

The Board has granted service connection for bilateral hearing loss and tinnitus, finding that the Veteran's current conditions are related to his in-service noise exposure.

The Board has determined that new and material evidence has been received to reopen the claim of service connection for tinnitus. The Veteran's testimony regarding ringing in his ears during service is considered, along with other evidence, and it is at least as likely as not that the current tinnitus disability had its onset during or is otherwise related to his period of active service.