Tinnitus (ringing in the ears) Board decisions

The Board has determined that the Veteran does not have a current hearing loss disability or tinnitus for VA purposes, and thus cannot establish service connection for these conditions.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's current bilateral hearing loss and tinnitus are likely due to noise exposure during his military service, including in Vietnam. As such, the claims for service connection have been granted.

The Veteran's claims for service connection for ischemic heart disease, hypertension, an acquired psychiatric disability (including PTSD and depression), bilateral hearing loss, bilateral tinnitus, and a neck disability have all been denied. The VA examiner found no evidence of current ischemic heart disease or any other claimed conditions related to service.

The Veteran's tinnitus is service-connected, and he was granted a higher disability rating for his bilateral hearing loss.

The Board has determined that a remand is necessary to obtain additional medical opinions and records in order to properly adjudicate the Veteran's claims for service connection for bilateral hearing loss and tinnitus.

The Veteran's tinnitus is found to have had its onset in service, and the Board finds that service connection for tinnitus is granted. The issue of service connection for an acquired psychiatric disorder, including PTSD, remains pending.

The Veteran's tinnitus is found to be incurred during his active duty service. The Board has also determined that the Veteran's acquired psychiatric disorder and bilateral hearing loss disability are related to his military service.

The Board finds that the Veteran's current bilateral hearing loss and tinnitus are not related to his active duty service. The VA examiner opined that the disabilities were less likely as not caused by or a result of loud noise exposure while in service.

The Veteran's claims for service connection for headaches, tinnitus, and an acquired psychiatric condition (including PTSD and depression) have been denied as there is no competent evidence of a current disability or persistent symptoms related to these conditions.

The Veteran's petitions to reopen previously denied service connection claims for a skin disorder, bilateral hearing loss, and tinnitus have been granted. The effective date of the award of service connection for PTSD is set at August 26, 2008.

The Veteran's current bilateral hearing loss and tinnitus are at least as likely as not related to his active service, including exposure to noise from painting duties. Service connection is granted for these conditions.

The Veteran's service-connected disabilities prevented him from securing or following a substantially gainful occupation since the date of his claim on August 5, 2009.

The Veteran's appeal is being remanded to obtain VA medical records and to schedule him for a new examination. The claims will be reconsidered based on the additional evidence.

The Board has determined that the VA examination is inadequate and remands the case for further development, including a new opinion from an examiner who can consider the Veteran's history of tinnitus since service.

The Board found that the Veteran's tinnitus and bilateral hearing loss are not related to his military service, as there was no evidence of hearing loss or significant noise exposure during service. The VA audiologist concluded that the current hearing loss is less likely than not related to in-service noise exposure.

The Board has determined that new and material evidence has not been received to reopen the claims for service connection for bilateral hearing loss, tinnitus, and cold weather injury residuals to the bilateral lower extremities. The Veteran's claims were previously denied in December 2008 due to lack of nexus to service.

The Board has ordered additional development due to outstanding VA treatment records relevant to the Veteran's hearing loss and tinnitus claims. The case will be returned for further adjudication.

The Board found no evidence of a causal relationship between the Veteran's current bilateral hearing loss and tinnitus and his military service, including noise exposure. The claims for service connection were denied.

The Veteran's tinnitus was incurred in service and the Board granted service connection for this condition.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's bilateral hearing loss and tinnitus are not related to his service, including noise exposure during active duty. The claims for service connection have been denied.