Tinnitus (ringing in the ears) Board decisions

The Board found that the Veteran's bilateral hearing loss and tinnitus are not service-connected, as there is no credible evidence linking these conditions to his military service. The vision impairment was also not linked to his service.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's PTSD is related to sexual assaults in service, and she meets the criteria for service connection. Her bilateral hearing loss disability and tinnitus are not found to be related to her active service.

The Board found that the Veteran's tinnitus was not related to his military service and denied his claim for service connection.

The Veteran's combined rating for his service-connected disabilities (low back syndrome, tinnitus, and left ear hearing loss) is 50%, which does not meet the schedular criteria for a TDIU. The VA examiner found that the Veteran's service-connected disabilities do not prevent him from obtaining or retaining substantially gainful employment.

The Veteran's claim for service connection for tinnitus was granted with an effective date of October 10, 2007. The Board has determined that the original denial in December 29, 2006 rating decision is not final and the matter remains pending.

The case is being remanded to obtain additional VA treatment records and complete the examination process for a medical opinion regarding employment issues. The Veteran's claims will be reconsidered based on the new evidence and information.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's bilateral hearing loss and tinnitus are causally related to his military service, warranting service connection for these conditions.

The Board denied the Veteran's claims of service connection for bilateral hearing loss and tinnitus, finding that there was no competent evidence linking these conditions to his military service.

The Board found that the appellant's tinnitus and bilateral hearing loss were not incurred in or aggravated by active military service.

The Board finds that the evidence is at least in relative equipoise as to whether the Veteran has residuals of childbirth, including cystocele, urinary incontinence and hemorrhoids, tinnitus, and a left elbow disorder that began during her military service. Residuals of childbirth are granted. Tinnitus is granted. A left elbow disorder is denied.

The Board has determined that a new VA examination is needed to address the Veteran's claims for service connection for bilateral hearing loss and tinnitus due to potential inconsistencies in the previous examination results.

The Veteran's appeal for service connection for tinnitus has been dismissed due to the death of the appellant.

The Board denied the Veteran's claims for service connection for bilateral hearing loss disability and tinnitus, finding that there was no evidence of continuity of symptomatology or a nexus to service.

The Veteran's service-connected bilateral hearing loss and tinnitus do not render him unemployable, as they do not meet the schedular criteria for TDIU. The Board finds that referral for extraschedular consideration is not warranted.

The Veteran's case is being remanded for an additional VA examination to determine whether his service-connected disabilities alone are sufficient to produce unemployability, and for readjudication of the TDIU claim.

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

The Veteran's service-connected tinnitus and bilateral hearing loss are rated at the maximum allowed under VA regulations, with no additional compensation warranted.

The Board has determined that additional development is necessary to properly adjudicate the Veteran's claims, including obtaining specific information regarding his periods of active duty and inactive duty training in the Army Reserve.

The Board found that the Veteran does not have a right ear hearing loss disability for VA purposes and denied service connection for this condition. The issues of left ear hearing loss and tinnitus are addressed in the REMAND portion of the decision.

The Veteran's appeal is being remanded for additional development, including obtaining his service treatment records and scheduling a VA examination to evaluate his PTSD claim.