Tinnitus (ringing in the ears) Board decisions

The Veteran's claims for increased ratings for his service-connected bilateral hearing loss, tinnitus, fracture of the left humerus with moderate deformity, fracture residuals of the left distal radius, and residual scar of a left eyebrow laceration have all been denied. The highest possible rating under applicable diagnostic codes has not been met.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's tinnitus is service-connected, as he experienced it since separation from active duty. The hearing loss claim remains pending.

The Board has reopened the Veteran's claims for service connection for tinnitus and bronchitis, finding new and material evidence. The Veteran's tinnitus is found to have been incurred in service.

The Veteran's tinnitus has been found to be present in service and continues since then, warranting service connection. Service connection for bilateral hearing loss is denied as the Veteran does not meet the criteria for a disability under VA regulations. The claim of service connection for diabetes mellitus, type II remains pending.

The Veteran's appeals for service connection have been dismissed as he has withdrawn his appeal.

The Veteran's bilateral chondromalacia of the patella was first manifested in service and is presumed to be related to his active duty. The VA examiner found it less likely than not that the Veteran's current knee disorder is related to service.,The Veteran's low frequency, mixed hearing loss disability in the right ear was first manifested many years after separation from service and there is clear and unmistakable evidence against a finding that it is in any way related to service. The tinnitus is presumed to be due to exposure to sound of gunfire during combat.

The Board denied the Veteran's request for an earlier effective date of October 5, 2006 for the grant of service connection for tinnitus. The RO assigned a 10 percent disability evaluation for tinnitus effective October 5, 2007.

The Board has decided to remand the case for further development, including obtaining a new medical opinion regarding the etiology of the Veteran's hearing loss and tinnitus disabilities.

The Veteran's appeal is being remanded for additional development, including obtaining VA medical records and Social Security Administration disability benefits application records. A TDIU examination will also be scheduled.

The Board has granted service connection for tinnitus, finding that the Veteran's in-service exposure to gunfire and subsequent episodes of tinnitus symptoms have been reasonably demonstrated by the evidence of record.

The Board denied service connection for bilateral hearing loss disability and tinnitus, finding that the Veteran did not have a current disability related to his in-service noise exposure.

The Veteran's service-connected disabilities, including left knee arthritis and right knee replacement, render him unemployable due to his inability to perform the physical demands of a sedentary job.

The Board has remanded the case for further development, including obtaining VA treatment records and scheduling a VA audiology examination to determine if the Veteran's left ear hearing loss disability and tinnitus are related to his service.

The Board has remanded the case due to inadequate explanation of changes in audiograms and their significance on the Veteran's hearing loss.

The Veteran's bilateral hearing loss disorder, tinnitus, hemorrhoids, lumbar spine disorder, psychiatric disorder, and ganglion cyst of the right wrist were not incurred in or aggravated by service.,Service connection was denied for all claimed conditions.

The Board has decided that a VA examination is needed to determine if the Veteran's current bilateral hearing loss and tinnitus are related to his military service, including exposure to artillery fire. The case is being remanded for this purpose.

The Veteran's service-connected disabilities do not meet the basic eligibility requirements for specially adapted housing or a special home adaptation grant due to his inability to walk and use a cane.

The Veteran's tinnitus and hearing loss are found to be related to service, with the Board granting service connection for both conditions.

The Veteran's appeal is being remanded for additional development, including obtaining VA treatment records and conducting a VA examination to determine the relationship between his current hearing loss, tinnitus, prostate disorder, skin disorder, and diabetes mellitus and service.

The Veteran's bilateral hearing loss and tinnitus were not incurred in or aggravated by his military service. The Board found that the disabilities did not manifest within one year of separation from active duty, and there is no evidence of a continuity of symptomatology since service.