Tinnitus (ringing in the ears) Board decisions

The Board found that the Veteran's death was not caused by a service-connected disability, but it is at least in equipoise whether VA care contributed to his death. The claim for DIC under 38 U.S.C.A. § 1151 is granted.

The Board has remanded the claims for service connection due to incomplete evidence and need for further examination. The Veteran's hearing loss and tinnitus are being reviewed, but additional private medical records from Dr. Navarro must be obtained.

The Veteran's service-connected bilateral hearing loss is currently rated at 10 percent, the maximum rating authorized under Diagnostic Code 6100. The Veteran's service-connected tinnitus is also assigned a 10 percent rating, as it is already at its highest possible evaluation under Diagnostic Code 6260.

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

The Veteran's bilateral hearing loss disability, tinnitus, and fibromyalgia were not incurred in or aggravated by active service.,Service treatment records are negative for complaints, diagnoses, or treatment related to these conditions while on active duty.

The Board has granted service connection for tinnitus and remanded the other issues for further development. The claims of service connection for low back disability, bilateral hearing loss, and chronic sinus condition are being remanded to the RO.

The Board finds that the Veteran's appeal was timely filed, and therefore, the claims for service connection for hearing loss and tinnitus are being considered on their merits. The claim for kidney disease (to include glomerulonephritis) is remanded due to a need for further development.

The Veteran's bilateral hearing loss and tinnitus are found to be related to noise exposure during active service. The left eye disability is not considered a disease incurred in or aggravated by service.

The Board has remanded the case due to insufficient rationale in the VA examiner's opinion regarding the etiology of the Veteran's bilateral hearing loss and tinnitus. The Veteran is seeking service connection for these conditions, which are believed to be related to his military service.

The Board has remanded the case for further development, including obtaining medical opinions and records to determine if the Veteran's tinnitus is related to his military service.

The Board has reopened the Veteran's claims for service connection for bilateral hearing loss and tinnitus, finding that new evidence supports these claims. The Board also granted service connection for both conditions.

The Board has determined that additional development is necessary for the Veteran's claims, including a VA examination to determine the nature and etiology of his tinnitus and bilateral hearing loss, as well as an evaluation of whether he is unemployable due to service-connected PTSD. The case will be held in abeyance pending further action.

The Board finds that the evidence is in relative equipoise, with all reasonable doubt resolved in favor of the Veteran. The preponderance of the evidence supports a finding that the Veteran's current tinnitus is related to service.

The Board denied the Veteran's claims for service connection for gout, polyuria, and tinnitus. The claim for an initial compensable evaluation for his left little finger laceration was also denied.

The Veteran's service-connected disabilities, including PTSD and heart disease, render him unable to secure or follow a substantially gainful occupation.

The Veteran's service-connected tinnitus is already rated at the maximum allowed under Diagnostic Code 6260, which means no higher rating can be granted.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's bilateral hearing loss and tinnitus were not incurred in or aggravated by active service, nor may they be presumed to have been so incurred.

The Board finds that the Veteran does not have a current bilateral hearing loss disability for VA purposes and there is no evidence of in-service noise exposure or continuity of symptomatology. The Veteran's tinnitus was also not related to service, as his symptoms began after discharge and he did not seek treatment until nearly 40 years later.

The Veteran's claim for service connection for tinnitus is granted, and his Crohn's disease evaluation remains unchanged.