Tinnitus (ringing in the ears) Board decisions

The Board found that the Veteran's bilateral hearing loss and tinnitus did not manifest to a compensable degree within one year after separation from service, were not shown to be related to his active duty service, and therefore denied both claims for service connection.

The Veteran's claims for service connection for bilateral hearing loss and tinnitus were denied as there was no evidence of a current disability or in-service incurrence.

The Veteran's appeal is being remanded to the RO for scheduling a Travel Board hearing. The case will be returned to the Board after the hearing.

The Board finds that service connection for tinnitus is warranted based on the Veteran's credible testimony and medical evidence linking his current condition to noise exposure in service. The issue of bilateral hearing loss remains pending as remanded.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's bilateral hearing loss and tinnitus are related to noise exposure during his military service, with aggravation of pre-existing conditions. Service connection is granted for these conditions.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's bilateral hearing loss and tinnitus are related to noise exposure during his active duty service, warranting service connection.

The Veteran's service-connected disabilities, including Meniere's syndrome with deafness and tinnitus, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), chronic lumbosacral strain and degenerative arthritis, residuals of a left wrist injury, and residuals of a right wrist injury, have rendered him unable to secure or follow substantially gainful employment. The Board has granted the TDIU claim.

The Board has remanded the case for additional development, including obtaining records from SSA and scheduling VA examinations to determine if the Veteran currently has residuals of a head injury, headaches, tinnitus, or a psychiatric disorder. The claims will be readjudicated after this development.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's current bilateral hearing loss and tinnitus are as likely as not related to in-service noise exposure, granting service connection for these conditions.

The Board has granted the Veteran's application to reopen his claims for service connection for bilateral hearing loss disability and tinnitus. The new evidence received since the last final denial supports these claims.

The Board has decided to remand the Veteran's claims for additional development, including obtaining VA audiological examination records and scheduling a new VA examination at the closest VA Medical Center. The examiner is requested to provide opinions on whether the Veteran's tinnitus is related to his military noise exposure or service-connected hearing loss.

The Board denied the Veteran's claims for service connection for various conditions, including scoliosis, a low back disability, bilateral foot and leg disability, an acquired psychiatric disorder to include PTSD, migraines, bilateral hearing loss disability, and tinnitus. The decision found that these conditions were not incurred or aggravated by service.

The Veteran is seeking service connection for bilateral hearing loss and tinnitus, which he attributes to in-service noise exposure. The Board finds that a VA examination is needed to determine the nature and etiology of his current hearing loss and tinnitus.

The Board has determined that the Veteran does not have current hearing loss disability for VA purposes and tinnitus was not shown in service or within a year of discharge from service. The claims are therefore denied.

The Veteran's current bilateral hearing loss and tinnitus are not etiologically related to exposure to noise in service. The Board finds that the Veteran did not have chronic symptoms of hearing loss or tinnitus during service, and there is no evidence of continuity of symptomatology since service separation.

The Veteran's appeal is being remanded for additional development, including obtaining VA treatment records and scheduling the Veteran for a VA examination to determine if his current bilateral hearing loss disability, tinnitus, and right knee disorder are related to service.

The Veteran's appeal is being remanded for additional development of his claims, including obtaining SSA records and VA/privately held treatment records.

The Court found that the Veteran's lay testimony was sufficient to establish that he experienced hearing loss during service, and thus concluded in favor of granting his claims for service connection for bilateral hearing loss and tinnitus.

The appellant has withdrawn his appeals on the issues of service connection for tinnitus, increased evaluation for left knee disability, and increased evaluation for PTSD prior to June 5, 2009.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's bilateral hearing loss and tinnitus are related to his military service, including noise exposure during active duty. As a result, the claim for service connection is granted.