Tinnitus (ringing in the ears) Board decisions

The Board has determined that the Veteran's tinnitus had its onset in service and is related to his military noise exposure, thus granting service connection for tinnitus.

The Board has remanded the case due to insufficient medical opinions regarding the etiology of the Veteran's left ear hearing loss and tinnitus. The case will be returned for further development.

The Board found that the Veteran does not have hearing loss for VA purposes and his tinnitus is not related to service. Therefore, he was denied service connection for bilateral hearing loss and tinnitus.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's bilateral hearing loss and tinnitus did not have their onset during service or within one year of discharge, and there is no evidence linking these conditions to in-service noise exposure. As such, the claims for service connection are denied.

The Board found that the Veteran's current tinnitus is not related to his active military service and denied his claim for service connection.

The Veteran's service-connected disabilities, including PTSD and carpal tunnel syndrome of both wrists, diabetes mellitus, tinnitus, and bilateral hearing loss, do not preclude him from securing or following substantially gainful employment.

The Veteran is seeking service connection for tinnitus, which he asserts was caused by acoustic trauma during his military service in the Republic of Vietnam. The Board has determined that a remand is necessary to determine if the currently-diagnosed tinnitus is etiologically related to his period of active service.

The Board has remanded the claims of service connection for bilateral hearing loss disability and tinnitus due to incomplete records and need for further examination.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's bilateral hearing loss and tinnitus are not related to his military service, as there is no evidence of in-service noise exposure or onset of symptoms during the first postservice year. The VA examiner found that any current hearing loss and tinnitus are less likely due to acoustic trauma in service.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's bilateral hearing loss and tinnitus are likely related to his period of active service, granting his claims for these conditions.

The Veteran's service-connected conditions do not render him bedridden or so helpless as to require regular aid and attendance, thus his claim for SMC based on need for regular aid and attendance or housebound status is denied.

The Board found that the Veteran's current bilateral hearing loss and tinnitus are not related to his military service, as evidenced by normal hearing during service and no significant threshold shift noted on any of the four exams. The VA examiners concluded that the Veteran's hearing loss is less likely than not caused by acoustic trauma in service.

The Board has reopened the Veteran's claims for service connection for bilateral hearing loss and tinnitus, as new and material evidence has been submitted. The claims are granted to this extent.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's current hearing loss and tinnitus are related to his active service, resolving all reasonable doubt in favor of the Veteran. Therefore, service connection for bilateral hearing loss and tinnitus is granted.

The Veteran's appeal is being remanded for additional development, including obtaining the VA audiology examination report and providing him with a new VA audiology examination to determine if his tinnitus is related to service.

The Board denied service connection for bilateral hearing loss and tinnitus, finding that the Veteran's pre-existing hearing loss did not undergo a permanent worsening during his active duty periods. The Board also found no evidence of aggravation by in-service noise exposure.

The Veteran's appeal has been withdrawn by his representative prior to the Board making a decision.

The Board has determined that further development is needed to address the Veteran's claims for service connection for bilateral hearing loss and tinnitus. The case is being remanded for a VA opinion.

The Veteran's bilateral hearing loss and tinnitus are related to his active military service, and the Board has granted service connection for these conditions.

The Board has denied the Veteran's claims for service connection for left knee disorder, low back disorder, bilateral hearing loss, tinnitus, and an acquired psychiatric disorder. The claim for right pointer and right middle finger disorders with scars is addressed in the REMAND portion of this decision.