Tinnitus (ringing in the ears) Board decisions

The Board has denied the Veteran's claims for service connection for bilateral hearing loss and tinnitus. The claim for residuals of right ankle sprain, claimed as a right foot/ankle disability, is also denied.

The Veteran's claims for service connection for residuals of a left cheekbone fracture, deviated nasal septum, and chronic sinusitis were denied as there is no evidence to support the current conditions are related to his military service.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's tinnitus first manifested during active duty service and has persisted since then, resolving all reasonable doubt in favor of the Veteran. Therefore, service connection for tinnitus is granted.

The Veteran's appeal is being remanded for additional development, including VA examinations to assess the current severity of his PTSD and bilateral hearing loss, as well as a nexus opinion regarding tinnitus. The claims will be readjudicated after these actions.

The Veteran's claims for service connection for bilateral hearing loss and tinnitus are being remanded due to the need for additional development, including medical opinions on whether his current disabilities are related to military noise exposure.

The Board found that the Veteran does not have a current hearing loss disability for VA compensation purposes and denied his claims for service connection for bilateral hearing loss and tinnitus. The Veteran's tinnitus was also denied as there is no evidence of its onset in service or causation related to military service.

The Veteran's bilateral tinnitus and recurrent ingrown toenail of the left great toe are service-connected. However, there is no evidence to support a finding that her back disability is related to service.,The Veteran has been granted service connection for bilateral tinnitus and recurrent ingrown toenail of the left great toe. Her back condition was not found during the May 2010 VA examination.

The Veteran's service treatment records did not show any hearing loss or tinnitus. After service, the Veteran reported first experiencing hearing loss and tinnitus in March 2010.,VA examination in July 2010 found no current left ear hearing loss disability under VA criteria.

The Veteran's tinnitus was not incurred during active service and the Board finds that it is less likely than not related to in-service noise exposure. The claim for service connection for tinnitus is denied.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's current tinnitus had its onset in service and grants service connection for this condition.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's bilateral hearing loss and tinnitus did not manifest during service or within one year of separation, and there is no evidence to support a nexus between these conditions and his military service. The claims are therefore denied.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's current bilateral hearing loss and tinnitus disabilities are related to his service, including exposure to loud noises during combat. The decision grants service connection for these conditions.

The Board has granted the Veteran's claims for service connection for tinnitus, bilateral hearing loss, and interstitial lung disease. The claim for service connection for a respiratory disorder (COPD) is denied.

The Veteran's appeal is being remanded for additional development, including obtaining a legible copy of the pre-induction examination and requesting an opinion from the VA examiner regarding the etiology of his hearing loss disability and tinnitus. The issue of service connection for PTSD will also be adjudicated.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's tinnitus onset in service and is granting service connection for this condition. The issue of bilateral hearing loss remains pending as it does not involve a direct link to service.

The Veteran's claims for service connection for bilateral hearing loss, tinnitus, and lung disorder (COPD and bronchial pneumonia) have been granted. The Board finds that the evidence is at least in relative equipoise regarding a causal link between these conditions and in-service noise exposure.

The Board has remanded the case for additional development, including obtaining service treatment records and VA examinations to determine the nature and etiology of various claimed conditions. The appellant's military service is also being reviewed to clarify her periods of active duty.

The Veteran's claims for service connection for hemorrhoids, a lumbar spine disorder, a cervical spine disorder and tinnitus are granted. The claim for an increased rating for residuals of a partial tear to the left medial collateral ligament is pending.

The Board has determined that the Veteran is not entitled to a compensable rating for his service-connected bilateral hearing loss and does not meet the criteria for an increased rating for tinnitus. The maximum schedular ratings have been assigned.

The Veteran's claims for service connection for coronary artery disease, cancer, and an enlarged prostate were denied. The Veteran's claim for a compensable disability rating for right ear hearing loss was also denied.