Tinnitus (ringing in the ears) Board decisions

The Board has reopened the claim of service connection for tinnitus and granted it, finding that new evidence submitted by the Veteran raises a reasonable possibility of substantiating the claim. The Veteran's continuous symptomatology since service is considered in determining his entitlement to service connection.

The Veteran's claim for a compensable rating for service-connected chronic inflammation of the chest (diagnosed as pulmonary fibrosis) is being remanded due to the need for additional development, including obtaining updated medical records and conducting a new VA examination.

The Veteran's initial compensable rating for bilateral hearing loss and his initial 10 percent rating for tinnitus are denied as there is no legal basis to award a higher schedular disability rating.

The Board has determined that new and material evidence has not been submitted to reopen the Veteran's claims for service connection for tinnitus and bilateral hearing loss. The claim of entitlement to an evaluation in excess of 20 percent for diabetes mellitus is denied, as are the claims for initial compensable evaluations for diabetic neuropathy of the bilateral lower extremities.

The Veteran's appeal is being remanded for additional development, including VA examinations to assess his hearing loss and skin disorder.

The Veteran's tinnitus is related to service and the Board has granted service connection.

The Veteran's TDIU claim is being remanded due to the need for additional VA examinations and consideration of SSA records.

The Board has determined that further development of the Veteran's claim for service connection for tinnitus is warranted, including obtaining a VA examination and coordinating efforts to accommodate the Veteran if he remains incarcerated. The case will be remanded for these actions.

The Board has determined that additional development is needed for the Veteran's claims, including obtaining VA treatment records and scheduling a medical examination to address the relationship between his hearing loss and tinnitus and service.

The Veteran's appeal is being remanded due to the need for additional development, including a VA examination and review of his claims file.

The Veteran's tinnitus is found to have begun during his military service and is caused by noise exposure, thus service connection for tinnitus is granted.

The Board has determined that the Veteran does not have a hearing loss disability in either ear as defined by VA regulations, and therefore service connection for bilateral hearing loss is denied. For tinnitus, the evidence does not support a finding of service connection due to lack of continuity of symptoms or nexus.

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 Board has granted service connection for a skin disorder (flat warts), bilateral hearing loss, and tinnitus. Service connection for the Veteran's acquired psychiatric disability is also granted.

The Board has determined that it is at least as likely as not that the appellant's tinnitus had its onset during his active service, and thus grants service connection for tinnitus.

The Veteran's service-connected disabilities do not meet the legal criteria for a total disability rating due to individual unemployability as his combined percentage of disability does not reach 70% or more, and he is still employed.

The Board has determined that service connection is warranted for bilateral hearing loss and tinnitus, as the evidence shows it is at least as likely as not that these conditions developed during active duty.

The Board has determined that additional development is needed to properly adjudicate the Veteran's claims for service connection for bilateral hearing loss and tinnitus. The case is REMANDED for a supplemental opinion or VA examination as specified.

The Veteran's service-connected bilateral hearing loss and tinnitus are considered in combination, and the VA audiologist opines that they preclude substantially gainful employment consistent with his high school education and occupational experience as an electrician and Alaska pipeline worker.

The Board found that the Veteran did not have bilateral hearing loss or tinnitus due to service, and thus denied both claims.