Tinnitus (ringing in the ears) decisions — 2019

The Board denied the Veteran's claims for service connection for bilateral hearing loss disability and tinnitus, finding no evidence of in-service noise exposure or a link between current disabilities and military service. The Veteran did not meet the basic eligibility requirements for VA nonservice-connected pension benefits due to lack of qualifying wartime service.

Service connection for bilateral hearing loss is denied as there is no evidence of a current disability related to service.,Service connection for tinnitus is granted as the evidence supports its onset during or shortly after service, and it is at least as likely as not caused by in-service noise exposure.

The Veteran's PTSD and tinnitus are rated at their maximum levels, but he is granted a TDIU due to his service-connected disabilities preventing him from obtaining substantially gainful employment.

The Veteran's tinnitus is found to be caused by in-service noise exposure, and service connection for this condition is granted.

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

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

The Board has determined that additional examinations and medical opinions are needed to properly assess the severity of the Veteran's PTSD, scoliosis, erectile dysfunction, right elbow disorder, bilateral foot disorder, hearing loss, tinnitus, narcolepsy, and vision impairment. The issues of service connection for these conditions have been remanded.

The Veteran's bilateral pes planus was not shown in service, and the Board denied service connection for this condition.,Service connection for bilateral hearing loss is remanded due to lack of a clear and unmistakable evidence opinion regarding aggravation during service.,Service connection for tinnitus is remanded as it is inextricably intertwined with the hearing loss claim.,The Veteran's erectile dysfunction is remanded because his VA examiner did not address whether it was aggravated by his service-connected disabilities or if it had its clinical onset during service.,Service connection for chronic sinusitis is also remanded due to lack of a clear and unmistakable evidence opinion regarding aggravation during service.

The Board denied service connection for tinnitus, sleep apnea, and an acquired psychiatric disorder due to lack of evidence linking these conditions to service or service-connected disabilities.

The Veteran's left foot disability is rated at 30 percent, and he is granted a total disability rating based on individual unemployability due to his service-connected conditions.

The Veteran's bilateral hearing loss, tinnitus, and hepatitis C are all granted as service connected. The Board found that the Veteran experienced acoustic trauma in service which led to his current conditions.

The Board has granted service connection for tinnitus but remanded the issue of service connection for glaucoma due to insufficient evidence.

The Board has remanded the Veteran's claims for a bilateral hearing loss disability and tinnitus due to conflicting evidence regarding whether he currently has these disabilities, as well as unclear evidence of their relationship to service. The Veteran will need to undergo VA examinations to determine if he has current hearing loss and tinnitus, and if so, whether they are related to his military service.

The Veteran's claims for service connection for bilateral hearing loss and tinnitus have been reopened. The Board has determined that new evidence supports reopening the claims, but remands them for further examination to determine if they are related to service.

The Board has remanded the cases due to incomplete information in a previous VA examination regarding noise exposure during service.

The Board dismissed the appeal for viral disorder. The Veteran's lung disorder (mesothelioma) is granted as related to his asbestos exposure during service. An effective date of June 14, 2013 is assigned for the grant of tinnitus.

The Board has remanded the cases due to missing service treatment records and a need for a VA examination to determine the etiology of the Veteran's back disability.

The Veteran's claims for service connection for bilateral hearing loss and tinnitus have been denied as there is no evidence of current disabilities meeting VA criteria, and the medical opinions are against a link to service.

The Board has remanded the cases for a VA audiological evaluation to determine if the Veteran's bilateral hearing loss and tinnitus are related to service, including exposure to noise trauma.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's tinnitus began during active service and is otherwise related to an in-service injury, event, or disease. Bilateral hearing loss is remanded for further examination and determination.