Tinnitus (ringing in the ears) Board decisions

The Veteran's claims for increased ratings were denied. The Board found that the evidence did not support a compensable rating for right ear hearing loss, and denied entitlement to an evaluation in excess of 10 percent for tinnitus, lumbar strain with levoscoliosis prior to May 4, 2009, costochondritis (chest pain and shortness of breath), or hypertensive heart disease.

The Board has determined that the Veteran incurred tinnitus during his military service and resolves all doubt in favor of the Veteran, granting service connection for bilateral tinnitus.

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

The Board found that the Veteran's service-connected PTSD did not cause or contribute to his death, which was caused by an assault. The Board concluded that the Veteran's PTSD did not cause him to initiate a physical altercation resulting in his death.

The Board has granted service connection for bilateral hearing loss and tinnitus, finding that the Veteran's current conditions are related to his military noise exposure. Service connection for erectile dysfunction is also granted as secondary to diabetes mellitus.

The Veteran's tinnitus was not shown to be related to his military service, including exposure to loud noise. The Board found that the condition did not originate during service and has no other credible evidence linking it to service.

The Board has determined that a new VA examination is needed to determine if the Veteran's current bilateral hearing loss and tinnitus are related to his military service, including noise exposure.

The Veteran's bilateral hearing loss and tinnitus were not incurred in or aggravated by service. The VA examiner found the conditions more likely due to presbycusis and/or some other etiology.

The Board has denied service connection for bilateral hearing loss and tinnitus, finding that the evidence does not support a nexus to active service.

The Board has granted service connection for right ear hearing loss and tinnitus, finding that the evidence is at least in relative balance as to whether these conditions are etiologically related to active service. Service connection was also granted for tinnitus on a secondary basis due to the Veteran's service-connected right ear hearing loss.

The Veteran's claims for service connection for bilateral hearing loss, tinnitus, and Meniere's disease are being remanded due to the inextricability of these issues. The RO/AMC will address the claim for service connection for Meniere's disease first, followed by a re-evaluation of the claims for hearing loss and tinnitus.

The Veteran's claim for a TDIU is being remanded due to the need for additional development, including obtaining updated VA and private treatment records, as well as scheduling a new VA Social and Industrial Survey.

The Board found that the Veteran's tinnitus did not have a direct relationship to his military service and was more likely related to post-service noise exposure. The claim for an acquired psychiatric disorder is addressed in the REMAND portion of this decision.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's tinnitus is a result of exposure to loud noises during active duty, and as he served in combat, his statements are accepted as sufficient proof of service connection. The claim for service connection for tinnitus is therefore granted.

The Veteran's appeal is remanded due to the need for additional medical evaluations and records, as well as further consideration of his claims.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's tinnitus is not related to his active duty service and therefore denied his claim for service connection.

The Veteran's service connection claims for bilateral hearing loss and tinnitus have been granted. The claim for an increased rating for right shoulder degenerative joint disease, status post arthroscopy from June 24, 2008 to April 6, 2009 has also been granted.

The Board has determined that additional development is needed to address the Veteran's claims for service connection for tinnitus and residuals of a left ankle injury. The VA examiners are requested to provide opinions on whether these conditions are related to military service.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's current bilateral hearing loss and tinnitus are not related to his active service, including noise exposure. The VA examiner found no evidence of a nexus between the Veteran's in-service noise exposure and his current hearing loss.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's current bilateral hearing loss and tinnitus disabilities did not have onset during service, were not caused by active service, and did not manifest within one year of separation from active service. Therefore, the claims for service connection are denied.