Tinnitus (ringing in the ears) Board decisions

The Veteran's bilateral hearing loss and tinnitus are found to be related to his military service, specifically the exposure to loud jet engine noise during active duty.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's tinnitus and low back disability are not service-connected. The claim for tinnitus was denied due to inconsistent reports of when the condition started, while the claim for a low back disability remains pending as it is unclear whether service connection had already been awarded.

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

The Board has determined that the evidence is in equipoise as to whether the Veteran's tinnitus is related to his in-service noise exposure, and thus service connection for tinnitus is granted.

The Board has remanded the Veteran's claims for additional development due to issues with communication and delivery of important documents.

The Board denied the Veteran's claims for an earlier effective date for tinnitus service connection and for a higher rating for bilateral hearing loss. The decision found that the Veteran did not file a timely notice of disagreement with the assigned effective date, and thus his claim is barred by finality.

The Board finds that the Veteran's tinnitus had onset during service and has continued since service, and therefore grants service connection for tinnitus.

The Veteran's tinnitus is granted, and his degenerative joint disease with intervertebral disc disease of the lumbar spine is rated at 20 percent effective March 17, 2009. The issue of TDIU remains pending.

The Veteran's appeal is being remanded for further development, including a VA audiology examination to determine the etiology of his current bilateral hearing loss and tinnitus.

The Board has granted service connection for tinnitus and bilateral hearing loss, finding that the Veteran's claims are supported by competent and credible evidence. The decision also notes that a new VA opinion is needed to address whether the Veteran's hearing loss was caused by in-service noise exposure.

The Veteran's tinnitus has been granted service connection. The claims for bilateral hearing loss and bilateral knee disabilities are remanded.

The Veteran's tinnitus is established as service-connected due to his bilateral hearing loss. The claims for initial compensable evaluation of bilateral hearing loss, service connection for left knee disability, and right knee disability are granted.

The Board found that service connection for tinnitus is granted, but denied service connection for right ear and left ear hearing loss as the evidence did not support a finding of in-service noise exposure or current disability.

The Board has determined that new and material evidence has been received to reopen the Veteran's claims for service connection for bilateral hearing loss and tinnitus. The cases are being remanded for further development, including a VA examination.

The Veteran's claims of increased evaluations for hearing loss and tinnitus, as well as service connection for ischemic heart disease were granted with an effective date of May 30, 2008. The decision also found that the October 2008 denial of these claims contained clear and unmistakable error (CUE).

The Board has granted service connection for bilateral hearing loss, finding that the Veteran's preexisting hearing loss worsened during his active duty. Service connection was denied for tinnitus due to lack of credible evidence linking it to service.

The Veteran's service connection claims for bilateral hearing loss and tinnitus are granted as the evidence is in equipoise, with a causal relationship to noise exposure during active duty.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's bilateral hearing loss and tinnitus were incurred during his active military service, thus granting service connection for both conditions.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's current bilateral hearing loss and tinnitus are related to his military service, including exposure to noise during basic training. As a result, the claims for service connection have been granted.

The Board has determined that a remand is necessary to address the accuracy of the audiometric testing and to obtain an updated opinion regarding the Veteran's claims for bilateral hearing loss and tinnitus.