Tinnitus (ringing in the ears) Board decisions

The Veteran's claims for bilateral hearing loss and tinnitus are being remanded due to the inadequacy of the current VA examination. The examiner did not adequately address the Veteran's in-service noise exposure and post-service symptoms.

The Veteran's claims of service connection for various conditions have been denied multiple times. New evidence submitted since previous decisions is not considered new and material, thus the applications to reopen are denied.

The Board has determined that additional development is needed for the Veteran's claims of service connection for bilateral hearing loss, tinnitus, and PTSD. Specifically, a VA examination with a psychologist or psychiatrist is required to determine whether his claimed stressors are sufficient to support a diagnosis of PTSD, and an audiological examination is necessary to assess the nature and etiology of his hearing loss and tinnitus.

The Veteran's tinnitus claim is granted. The claims for bilateral hearing loss and respiratory disability are remanded due to the need for additional medical examination.

The Board has found that the Veteran incurred a skin condition of the face, neck and mouth in service. The claims for bilateral hearing loss and tinnitus are remanded.

The Veteran's service-connected disabilities, including PTSD, right shoulder disability, and hearing loss, render him unable to secure or follow a substantially gainful occupation.

The Board denied the Veteran's claims for service connection for diabetes mellitus type II, hypertension, tinnitus, heart disease, PTSD, arthritis, right knee disorder, left knee disorder, and back disorder. The appeals were based on direct evidence of a link between each condition and service.

The Board found that the Veteran's bilateral hearing loss and tinnitus did not have their clinical onset in service or are otherwise related to active duty. As a result, the claims for service connection were denied.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's service treatment records are missing, and additional efforts must be made to locate them. The claims for bilateral hearing loss and tinnitus will be remanded for further development including obtaining medical opinions on etiology.

The Veteran's claims for bilateral hearing loss disability and tinnitus are being remanded due to the need for clarification on their etiology, specifically whether they are related to his service-connected diabetes.

The Veteran's claims for earlier effective dates for the grant of service connection for bilateral hearing loss and tinnitus are denied as there is no evidence indicating an intent to apply for these conditions prior to May 5, 2009.

The Board has determined that additional development is needed to determine the nature and etiology of the Veteran's bilateral hearing loss and tinnitus, including obtaining STRs and VA treatment records.

The Veteran's service-connected disabilities, including high frequency hearing loss, PTSD, neck scar, and tinnitus, do not render him unable to secure or follow substantially gainful employment. The Board finds that TDIU is denied.

The Veteran's appeal is being remanded for additional development, including obtaining VA treatment records and scheduling the Veteran for examinations to determine if he has residuals of cold weather injury to his bilateral lower extremities, bilateral hearing loss, and tinnitus. The claims will be readjudicated after these actions.

The Board has remanded the case for additional development, including obtaining VA treatment records and scheduling a VA examination to assess the Veteran's service-connected disabilities and their impact on his employability.

The Veteran's service-connected right ankle disorder, diabetes mellitus, and tinnitus have rendered him unable to secure or follow a substantially gainful occupation.

The Veteran's appeal is being remanded due to the need for additional development regarding his ability to secure and maintain gainful employment given his service-connected disabilities.

The Veteran's appeal seeking service connection for bilateral hearing loss is dismissed. The Board finds that the evidence supports the Veteran's claim of service connection for tinnitus.

The Board found that the Veteran does not have current hearing loss or tinnitus related to service, and denied both claims.

The Board has determined that a new VA examination is needed to properly adjudicate the appellant's claims for service connection for bilateral hearing loss and tinnitus, as the original opinion provided by the VA examiner was inadequate.