Tinnitus (ringing in the ears) Board decisions

The Veteran's service connection claims for bilateral hearing loss and tinnitus have been granted as the evidence is at least in equipoise regarding whether these conditions are related to his military service.

The Board has determined that additional development is needed to properly adjudicate the Veteran's claim for service connection for tinnitus. This includes obtaining relevant medical records, including those from his National Guard service and any VA treatment records. The Board will then consider whether the Veteran's tinnitus is related to his service-connected hearing loss or other factors.

The Board has remanded the case due to the need for additional records and a possible VA examination, as well as further consideration of the Veteran's claims.

The Board has granted service connection for bilateral hearing loss and tinnitus, finding that the evidence is at least in equipoise as to whether these conditions are related to service. The Veteran's current disabilities have been established, and there is credible evidence of noise exposure during service.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's bilateral hearing loss and tinnitus are caused by or the result of in-service acoustic trauma, and thus service connection is granted.

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

The Veteran's appeal is being remanded for scheduling a Board videoconference hearing. The issues include seeking higher disability rating for PTSD, service connection for bilateral hearing loss, and service connection for tinnitus.

The Board has determined that additional development is needed to determine the relationship between the Veteran's current hearing loss and tinnitus and his military service, including any in-service noise exposure.

The Veteran is granted service connection for tinnitus and an initial rating of 60 percent for coronary artery disease (CAD) effective since November 18, 2011. The claim for service connection for bilateral hearing loss remains pending.,A VA examination will be scheduled to determine if the Veteran's bilateral hearing loss is related to service.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's low back and cervical spine disabilities are related to his active duty service, establishing service connection.,Service connection for tinnitus is also granted as it is found to be related to in-service noise exposure.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's bilateral hearing loss and tinnitus are related to his active service, with aggravation during service for hearing loss.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's bilateral hearing loss and tinnitus are related to his service, including exposure to noise from artillery equipment. As a result, the appeal for service connection is granted.

The appeal is being remanded for additional development, including obtaining VA hospitalization records and Social Security Administration (SSA) disability determination records.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's bilateral hearing loss and tinnitus are service-connected, but his claims for a bilateral foot disorder and heart disorder remain pending.

The Board has remanded the Veteran's claims for another VA examination to determine the nature and etiology of his claimed bilateral hearing loss disability and tinnitus.

The Veteran's appeal is being remanded to clarify whether he wants a Board hearing conducted by video conference or in person at the RO in Detroit, Michigan. The claims will be returned to the Board after the requested hearing.

The Veteran's service-connected disabilities, including cardiomyopathy, diabetes mellitus, peripheral neuropathy of the lower extremities, bilateral hearing loss, and tinnitus, rendered him unable to secure or follow substantially gainful employment since December 28, 2007. Effective July 26, 2010, his TDIU rating was increased to a combined evaluation of 70 percent.

The Veteran's service-connected disabilities necessitate the need for regular aid and attendance of another person, leading to a grant of SMC at the aid and attendance rate.

The Veteran's tinnitus is granted service connection based on exposure to loud noise during service. The initial ratings for shin splints and adjustment disorder with depressed mood are also granted.

The Veteran's service-connected PTSD, hearing loss, and tinnitus have made him unable to secure or follow a substantially gainful occupation since June 28, 2002. The Board has granted a TDIU effective from that date.