Tinnitus (ringing in the ears) Board decisions

The Veteran's claim for service connection for a major depressive disorder and PTSD was reopened, but the claims for hypertension, CAD, left ventricular dysfunction/congestive heart failure, ulcers, COPD, erectile dysfunction, bilateral hearing loss, tinnitus, hemorrhoids, right foot calluses and corns, and left foot calluses and corns were all denied. The Veteran's claim for a temporary total rating based on the need for convalescence following May 2012 right foot surgery was also denied.

The Board finds that the Veteran's tinnitus began during service and has continued since, meeting the criteria for service connection. The Veteran also meets the criteria for a 10% disability rating for his bilateral otitis externa.

The Board has granted service connection for left hip degenerative joint disease, finding that the Veteran's symptoms are more likely than not related to his in-service injury. The remaining issues of service connection have been remanded.

The Veteran seeks service connection for bilateral hearing loss and tinnitus, which he asserts are related to noise exposure during his military service. The Board has conceded the Veteran's exposure to hazardous noise in service but requires a VA audiological examination to determine if any current hearing problems are of service onset or otherwise related thereto.

The Board found that the Veteran's hearing loss and tinnitus are not related to his military service, as there is no evidence of in-service noise exposure or medical treatment for these conditions. The VA examinations concluded that the current hearing loss and tinnitus are more likely due to occupational noise exposure during civilian employment.

The Board has remanded the case due to inconsistencies in medical opinions and the need for additional VA audiological examination.

The Veteran's tinnitus was not incurred or aggravated during service and is not related to any in-service noise exposure. The Board finds that the preponderance of evidence does not support a finding of service connection for tinnitus.

The Veteran's tinnitus is at least as likely as not caused by his military service, and the Board grants service connection for tinnitus.

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

The Board has denied the Veteran's claims for service connection for bilateral hearing loss and tinnitus, finding no evidence of a nexus to service.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's right thumb disability is service-connected, as it was incurred during his period of active duty.

The Board has granted the Veteran's claim for a total rating based on individual unemployability (TDIU) due to his service-connected disabilities. The combined disability rating of 70 percent is maintained.

The Board finds that the Veteran's current bilateral hearing loss disability and tinnitus are related to his military service, meeting the criteria for service connection.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's tinnitus originated during active service and granted his claim for service connection.

The Board has remanded the case for further development due to a request from the Veteran for a videoconference hearing.

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

The Board has remanded the case due to incomplete development and need for additional medical opinions.

The Board has remanded the case for additional development due to an inadequate VA examination opinion. The Veteran's tinnitus is being evaluated based on his in-service exposure to loud noise.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's current bilateral hearing loss and tinnitus are causally related to his active military service, granting service connection for both conditions.

The Board has remanded the case due to incomplete records and need for additional medical opinions regarding the Veteran's hearing loss and tinnitus.