Tinnitus (ringing in the ears) Board decisions

The Veteran's TDIU was granted effective June 11, 2008. The Board denied an earlier effective date as the evidence did not show unemployability prior to this date.

The Board has remanded the Veteran's claims for additional development, including obtaining his Reserve service records and scheduling a VA examination to determine the etiology of his claimed disabilities.

The Board granted service connection for bilateral tinnitus and assigned a 20 percent evaluation for bilateral hearing loss, effective as of March 18, 2010.

The Veteran's claims for payment or reimbursement of unauthorized medical expenses incurred at St. F. Medical Center and CNRS (GIPT & S Clinic) in July and August 2005 were denied as the treatment was not emergent, a VA facility was feasibly available, and the Veteran was not financially liable.

The Veteran's claims for service connection for bilateral hearing loss and tinnitus have been denied as there is no current evidence of these conditions.

The Board has granted a rating of 30 percent for the residuals of a laceration of the left thumb, finding that new and material evidence had been received to reopen service connection for both left elbow epicondylitis and postoperative residuals of right elbow epicondylitis. The Veteran's bilateral elbow disabilities are found to be related to his service-connected left thumb disability.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's bilateral hearing loss and tinnitus are as likely as not related to his military service, including exposure to loud noise without protection. As such, these conditions have been granted service connection.

The Board found the evidence in equipoise regarding the Veteran's claims for service connection for bilateral hearing loss and tinnitus. The Veteran entered service with a preexisting hearing loss disorder, but his separation examination did not show any aggravation of this condition during service. His claim for tinnitus is also supported by lay statements indicating continuity of symptomatology since service.

The Board has determined that further medical examination and opinion are needed to resolve the claims for service connection for low back disability, pulmonary nodules, hearing loss, and tinnitus.

The Veteran's claims for service connection for bilateral hearing loss and tinnitus are both granted. The Board found that the Veteran had current symptoms of tinnitus, which he claimed to have experienced since service, and there was no evidence contradicting his report.

The Board has reopened the Veteran's claim for service connection for bilateral hearing loss and tinnitus, finding new and material evidence. The Veteran served as a combat pilot during World War II where he was exposed to loud noise. He currently has diagnosed sensorineural bilateral hearing loss and tinnitus. Service connection is granted for these conditions.

The Board has remanded the case for additional development due to new evidence provided by the Veteran's representative.

The Veteran's claims for service connection for bilateral hearing loss and tinnitus are being remanded due to the need for additional development, including obtaining medical records and clarifying whether the Veteran desires a Board hearing.

The Veteran had tinnitus in service and there is post-service continuity of symptomatology demonstrating a nexus between the current tinnitus and the in-service tinnitus. The Board finds that her reports are credible, as they reflect experienced tinnitus in service, diagnosed currently, and with a continuity of symptoms since service.

The Veteran's appeal is being remanded due to the need for additional VA examinations and development of his claims, including a review of his service-connected tinnitus and bilateral hearing loss disabilities.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's current hearing loss and tinnitus are not related to service, as there is no evidence of hearing loss or tinnitus in service or for many years thereafter. The claim for service connection for bilateral hearing loss and tinnitus is denied.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's current hearing loss and tinnitus disorders are related to his service, resulting in a grant of service connection for both conditions.

The Veteran's appeal is remanded for a VA examination to determine if his tinnitus began during active service or is related to acoustic trauma, and for the provision of relevant medical records.

The Veteran's claim for tinnitus, related to service-connected bilateral hearing loss, is being remanded due to the need for additional development and examination.

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