Tinnitus (ringing in the ears) Board decisions

The Veteran's claims for service connection are being remanded due to the need to obtain additional VA treatment records and for the Veteran to submit any additional evidence or identify any outstanding private treatment records.

The case is being remanded for additional development, including obtaining SSA records and providing an addendum opinion from the VA examiner regarding the etiology of the Veteran's hearing loss and tinnitus.

The Veteran is granted service connection for tinnitus and a right shoulder disorder with post-operative surgical scars.,Secondary service connection for left knee and right ankle disorders are addressed in the REMAND portion of this decision.

The Veteran's bilateral hearing loss and tinnitus are found to be related to his in-service noise exposure, resolving all reasonable doubt in the Veteran's favor.

The Board found that the Veteran's current bilateral hearing loss and tinnitus disabilities are not related to his military service, as evidenced by normal hearing at entrance and no complaints or treatment for these conditions during active duty. The VA examiner concluded that it was less likely than not that the Veteran's hearing loss and tinnitus were caused by noise exposure in Vietnam.

The Veteran's appeal for service connection for tinnitus has been dismissed due to the death of the appellant.

The Veteran's claim for service connection for tinnitus was denied because there is no evidence that the condition began during active service or is otherwise related to military service.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's tinnitus manifested in service and is related to his military service, granting service connection for this condition. The issue of bilateral hearing loss remains pending as it was not addressed by the March 2007 rating decision.

The Veteran's service connection claims for left ear hearing loss and tinnitus were denied, while right ear hearing loss was granted. The Veteran's PTSD claim resulted in a grant of initial ratings.,Service connection for right ear hearing loss is established, with an effective date prior to September 27, 2005.

The Veteran's claims for service connection for bilateral hearing loss, tinnitus, and hypertension have been denied as there is no evidence of a current disability or a relationship to military service.,VA has provided the Veteran with adequate notice regarding his rights and responsibilities in this matter.

The Board has determined that additional development is needed to determine the nature and etiology of the Veteran's claimed disabilities, including whether they are related to service or exposure to ionizing radiation. The case will be remanded for further action.

The Board has remanded the case for additional development, including obtaining VA treatment records and scheduling a VA examination to address the Veteran's claims of service connection for bilateral hearing loss, tinnitus, and a right leg condition.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's current low back disability was incurred in active service, and therefore grants entitlement to service connection for a low back disability.

The Veteran's claim for service connection for bilateral hearing loss and tinnitus was granted, effective May 5, 2009. The effective date cannot be earlier as the original claim was denied in March 2002 and not appealed within one year.

The Veteran's tinnitus had onset during service and the Board has determined that it was incurred in service. The hearing loss disability is not currently diagnosed, but may be related to noise exposure during service. The psychiatric disorder (adjustment disorder with anxiety) is found to have been present during service.

The Board has remanded the case due to inadequate examination reports and outstanding medical records. The Veteran's claims for service connection for bilateral hearing loss and tinnitus will be reconsidered after additional development.

The Board has denied the Veteran's claims for increased initial ratings for bilateral tinnitus and bilateral hearing loss, as well as his claim of service connection for a low back disability. The maximum schedular rating (10%) is assigned for bilateral tinnitus.

The Veteran's tinnitus is found to be related to noise exposure during active service, and his bilateral hearing loss disability is found to have existed prior to service. The Board finds in favor of the Veteran on both issues.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's bilateral hearing loss and tinnitus are related to service, with reasonable doubt resolved in favor of the Veteran.

The Board has remanded the case due to insufficient evidence and needs further examination and opinion regarding the etiology of the Veteran's tinnitus.