Tinnitus (ringing in the ears) Board decisions

The Board has determined that the Veteran's SFW of the left buttock does not warrant an evaluation in excess of 20 percent, and his PTSD is currently evaluated as 70 percent disabling.

The Veteran's tinnitus is related to active service and has been granted service connection.,For his fungal infection disability, the Veteran does not meet the criteria for a compensable initial rating.

The Veteran's claims for service connection for tinnitus and bilateral hearing loss were denied, as the evidence did not meet the criteria for presumptive service connection. The claim for a higher initial rating for PTSD was also denied.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's bilateral hearing loss and tinnitus are related to his active service, with an approximate balance of positive and negative evidence. As such, the claims for service connection for these conditions have been granted.

The Veteran's appeal was dismissed due to his death, and no jurisdiction remains for the merits of the claim.

The Board has remanded the Veteran's claims for additional development due to inadequate VA examinations and lack of rationale in the opinions provided.

The Veteran's bilateral hearing loss is found to be etiologically related to service, and he is granted service connection for this condition. The issues of increased rating for tinnitus and service connection for strep throat and running ears are dismissed due to the Veteran's withdrawal.

The Board has determined that there is not sufficient evidence to establish service connection for bilateral sensorineural hearing loss or tinnitus. The Veteran's claims are denied.

The Veteran's tinnitus is found to have had its onset during his period of service and the Board finds that the preponderance of evidence supports a finding in favor of service connection for tinnitus.

The Veteran's claim for TDIU is being remanded due to the inability to conduct an adequate VA audiological examination at a VA medical facility. The AOJ must attempt to obtain documentation of any notice provided to the Veteran regarding his option to pay for security and his response to that notice, or if no such documentation exists, seek a supplemental opinion from the November 2011 VA examiner.

The Board finds that the Veteran's right ear hearing loss and tinnitus are likely due to noise exposure during his military service, granting these claims.

The Board has granted service connection for tinnitus, finding that the Veteran's current disability is related to his noise exposure during active duty.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's lumbar spine disorder is related to his military service and grants service connection for this condition. The issue of tinnitus remains pending as it was not addressed in the decision.

The Board found that the Veteran's bilateral sensorineural hearing loss and tinnitus were not incurred in service due to lack of evidence of symptoms during or shortly after service, and no clear and convincing evidence linking current disabilities to service.

The Board has denied the Veteran's claims for a higher rating for PTSD and service connection for bilateral hearing loss. The claim for tinnitus remains pending.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's tinnitus had onset during active service and grants the claim for service connection.

The Board has remanded the case for additional development due to a request by the Veteran to withdraw his claim of gastroesophageal reflux disease, claimed as chemical gastritis. The remaining claims of entitlement to an initial compensable rating for bilateral hearing loss and service connection for tinnitus are being remanded for further action.

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

The Board has reopened the Veteran's claim for service connection for bilateral hearing loss and tinnitus of the left ear, finding that new evidence supports a grant of service connection. The decision is based on noise exposure during active duty for training (ACDUTRA) and inactive duty for training (INACDUTRA).

The Veteran's appeal is being remanded for additional development, including obtaining the October 31, 1986 accident report and providing an addendum opinion from a VA examiner regarding his tinnitus and feet disabilities.