Tinnitus (ringing in the ears) Board decisions

The Veteran's claim for service connection for bilateral hearing loss is being remanded due to incomplete medical records and insufficient evidence to decide the case. The claim for tinnitus has been granted, but further examination is needed to determine if current hearing loss disability is related to noise exposure in service.

The Board found no evidence of a current disability for hearing loss, and denied service connection for bilateral astigmatism as it is not a disease or injury within the meaning of applicable legislation. Service connection was granted for tinnitus, sinusitis, and carpal tunnel syndrome.

The Veteran's tinnitus is related to his in-service noise exposure, and service connection for this condition is granted. The Veteran's bilateral hearing loss is currently rated at 20 percent, effective May 16, 2005. Service connection for the residuals of cold injury (frozen feet) is granted. Service connection for a back disorder (residuals of spinal meningitis) and knee disorders are also granted.

The Veteran's bilateral hearing loss and tinnitus are not service-connected, but his PTSD is granted with a 50% disability rating.

The Veteran's claims for increased ratings and effective date determinations were denied. The Board found that the residuals of a fracture of the left olecranon warranted a 20 percent rating, but not higher. Effective dates prior to April 5, 2005, could not be granted.

The Veteran's hearing loss of the right ear is service-connected, while his hearing loss of the left ear and tinnitus are not. The Veteran's generalized anxiety disorder is also not service-connected.

The Veteran does not have hearing loss or tinnitus that was caused or aggravated by his service. The Board finds that the preponderance of the evidence is against the claims, and thus denies them.

The Veteran's bilateral hearing loss and tinnitus are found to be as likely as not attributable to acoustic trauma in service.,The Veteran's tinnitus is found to be as likely as not attributable to the same etiology as his bilateral hearing loss.

The Board has remanded the Veteran's claims for bilateral hearing loss and tinnitus due to new evidence submitted by the Veteran.

The Board has decided that the Veteran's claim of reopening a tinnitus service connection is remanded for further development, including an examination to determine if tinnitus exists and whether it is related to his service-connected bilateral hearing loss.

The Board has determined that the appellant does not have a current disability for service connection purposes related to bilateral hearing loss and left ear tinnitus. The VA examiner found no evidence of in-service noise exposure, and there is insufficient medical evidence linking these conditions to service.

The Board has remanded the case due to unclear findings in service records regarding hearing loss and tinnitus. Clarification is needed before a decision can be made.

The Board denied service connection for diabetes mellitus, bilateral hearing loss, and tinnitus. The Veteran does not have a current diagnosis of diabetes mellitus. He currently has bilateral hearing loss which was neither incurred in nor aggravated by active service. He currently has tinnitus which was neither incurred in nor aggravated by active service.

The Veteran's claim for service connection of tinnitus was granted with an effective date of June 29, 1993. The Board found that the earliest communication indicating intent to apply for service connection of tinnitus is the June 29, 1993, VA Form 21-526.

The Veteran's appeal is being remanded for further development, including a VA audiological evaluation to determine if he has bilateral hearing loss and tinnitus related to service exposure. The Veteran also needs an examination to assess the etiology of his tinnitus.

The Veteran's tinnitus, hearing loss, and asbestos exposure were all found to be service-connected for accrued benefits purposes.

The Board has granted service connection for bilateral hearing loss and tinnitus, finding that the Veteran's current disabilities are related to his military service.

The Veteran's appeal for an initial rating in excess of 10 percent for service-connected tinnitus has been withdrawn. The issue of entitlement to an initial rating in excess of 0 percent for service-connected left ear hearing loss is being remanded for further development.

The Veteran's claim for TDIU is being remanded due to the need for a VA examination to assess his ability to work given his service-connected conditions, including hearing loss and tinnitus.

The Veteran's claim for a total disability rating due to individual unemployability (TDIU) was denied as his service-connected disabilities do not present an unusual disability picture that renders application of the regular rating schedule provisions impracticable. The Board found no basis for referral for consideration of an extraschedular rating.