Tinnitus (ringing in the ears) Board decisions

The Board has determined that service connection is warranted for migraine headaches. The Veteran's consistent reports of headache onset and continued struggle with symptoms since discharge from active service are credible, and the absence of medical evidence to the contrary supports this finding.

The Board has found no evidence to support the Veteran's claims of service connection for bilateral hearing loss and tinnitus, as there is no medical evidence linking these conditions to his military service. The Veteran's post-operative residuals of a bilateral epididymectomy have also not been rated higher than noncompensable.

The Board has determined that further development is necessary before the claims on appeal can be decided. Specifically, VA medical examinations are required for tinnitus and right shoulder/bilateral knee disabilities.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's bilateral hearing loss and tinnitus did not have onset during active service, were not caused by an event, disease, or injury during active service, and are not related to any in-service noise exposure. As a result, the claims for service connection for bilateral hearing loss and tinnitus are denied.

The Board has remanded the case due to inadequate examination findings and new evidence needs to be obtained. The Veteran's hearing loss, tinnitus, and hypertension claims are being reviewed.

The Veteran's tinnitus is found to be related to his in-service noise exposure, and the Board grants service connection for this condition.

The Board has granted service connection for bilateral hearing loss and tinnitus, finding that the evidence supports a link between these conditions and in-service noise exposure.

The Veteran's tinnitus is related to active service and the Board has granted entitlement to service connection for tinnitus. The issue of bilateral hearing loss is addressed in the REMAND portion of the decision.

The Board has determined that new and material evidence has been presented to reopen the claim of entitlement to service connection for tinnitus. The Veteran's representative suggested in November 2010 that his tinnitus is associated with his service-connected hearing loss, and provided several citations from The MERCK Manual in support of the contention. In February 2011, the Veteran submitted a statement documenting his recollection that his tinnitus began following his service in the engine room of the U.S.S. Truxton. The Veteran also confirmed that he did not have tinnitus prior to service on board the ship, but that he did experience it during and after his ship duty.

The Board has determined that the Veteran does not have a current diagnosis of bilateral hearing loss, but finds in favor of service connection for tinnitus based on continuity of symptomatology since service.

The Veteran's appeal was granted, with a noncompensable rating for bilateral hearing loss. Service connection for tinnitus was also granted.

The Board has remanded the case due to incomplete service records and the need for additional medical opinions regarding the Veteran's claims. The Veteran is not granted any benefits at this time.

The Veteran's claim for a TDIU is being remanded due to the need for further development, including an examination and completion of VA Form 21-8940.

The Veteran's current tinnitus first manifested during his service and is the result of noise exposure. The Board finds that the Veteran's claim for service connection for tinnitus is granted.

The Veteran's appeal is being remanded to obtain additional medical opinions and records, as well as to provide the Veteran with proper VCAA notice regarding his secondary service connection claim for alcoholism.

The Veteran's service-connected disabilities do not meet the criteria for SMC based on need for aid and attendance or housebound status.

The Veteran's service-connected disabilities prevent him from securing and following a substantially gainful occupation.

The Board has granted service connection for tinnitus and found that the Veteran's current ringing in his ears is related to his service. The other issues on appeal are addressed below.

The Board has granted service connection for bilateral hearing loss and tinnitus, finding that the Veteran's current conditions are related to his military service.

The Veteran's bilateral hearing loss and tinnitus were incurred in service, meeting the criteria for service connection.