Tinnitus (ringing in the ears) Board decisions

The Veteran's service-connected tinnitus and bilateral hearing loss disabilities are currently rated at the maximum allowed under VA regulations, and no higher rating is warranted.

The Veteran's claims for service connection for bilateral hearing loss and tinnitus are remanded due to the need for a VA examination to determine the etiology of any current hearing loss or tinnitus.

The Veteran's claims for service connection for bilateral hearing loss and tinnitus are being remanded due to the need for further development, including a VA examination.

The Veteran's bilateral hearing loss disability and tinnitus are being remanded for additional development, including a new VA examination to determine if they have been chronically worsened by his service-connected septal deviation.

The Veteran's service-connected PTSD is found to have contributed substantially or materially to his death from acute myocardial infarction. Service connection for the cause of death is granted.

The Board denied the Veteran's claims for service connection for Bartter's Syndrome, bilateral hearing loss, tinnitus, a low back disability, and PTSD. The decision also addressed whether new and material evidence had been received to reopen the claim for Bartter's Syndrome.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's bilateral hearing loss and tinnitus are related to his service, specifically exposure to noise trauma from firing M1 rifles in tunnels during service. As such, service connection is granted for both conditions.

The Board has remanded the case for further development, including obtaining evidence regarding the Veteran's exposure to asbestos and silica during service, as well as conducting VA examinations to determine the nature and etiology of his diagnosed conditions.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's service-connected disabilities did not meet the schedular requirements for TDIU until February 18, 1998. The effective date of TDIU is therefore set at this date.

The Board has remanded the case for further development and consideration of all evidence, including a determination on the credibility of the Veteran's claimed stressor for PTSD.

The Veteran's posttraumatic stress disorder is related to his period of active military service and the claim for this condition is granted.

The Board has determined that additional development is needed to obtain the Veteran's service treatment records and to provide him with appropriate VA examinations. The claims will be remanded for these actions.

The Board has granted service connection for PTSD, finding that the Veteran's in-service stressor occurred and there is credible supporting evidence of its occurrence. The issues of bilateral hearing loss and recurrent tinnitus are remanded due to insufficient medical opinion regarding their etiology.

The Veteran's service-connected disabilities, including PTSD and other conditions, do not render him unemployable without regard to his age.

The Board found no evidence of in-service hearing loss or tinnitus, and the current conditions are not related to service. Therefore, the Veteran's claims for bilateral sensorineural hearing loss disability and tinnitus were denied.

The Board denied the Veteran's claim for special monthly compensation (SMC) based on the need for regular aid and attendance of another person or by reason of being housebound due to his service-connected disabilities. The evidence did not show that he required regular aid and assistance, nor was he considered permanently confined to his home.

The Board denied service connection for tinnitus and bilateral hip/leg disability, finding that the Veteran's statements regarding a continuity of symptoms since service were not credible. Service connection was also denied for hypertension.

The Veteran's claim for TDIU is being remanded due to a material change in the facts relating to his service-connected disabilities, including recent grants of service connection and increased ratings. A VA examination will be scheduled to determine if the Veteran's service-connected conditions render him unable to obtain or retain substantially gainful employment.

The Board has granted service connection for tinnitus and restrictive interstitial lung disease, finding that the Veteran's symptoms are related to his military service. The issue of service connection for an acquired psychiatric disorder remains pending.

The Veteran's appeal is being remanded for additional development, including a VA examination to determine if his current hearing loss and tinnitus are related to service.