Citation Nr: 21022466
Decision Date: 04/15/21	Archive Date: 04/15/21

DOCKET NO. 14-03 635
DATE: April 15, 2021

REMANDED

Entitlement to service connection for tinnitus is remanded.

REASONS FOR REMAND

The Veteran had periods of active service from May 1987 to September 1987, October 1990 to July 1991, February 2003 to June 2003, and from June 2010 to June 2011.

This matter was previously before the Board in November 2017, August 2018, and September 2020.

1. Entitlement to service connection for tinnitus is remanded.

The Veteran seeks service connection for tinnitus, and most of the Veteran’s submissions have centered on the theory that his conceded noise exposure during his periods of service are the cause of his tinnitus.  However, the record also discloses that the Veteran has previously advanced the theory that medications that he received, in particular an anti-malarial medication, caused his tinnitus condition.  This theory has not been adequately considered in any opinion yet received by VA.

The matters are REMANDED for the following actions:

1. Obtain an addendum opinion from an appropriate clinician regarding whether the Veteran’s tinnitus is at least as likely as not related to medications prescribed during his periods of service or any medications the Veteran receives as a result of his service-connected conditions, in particular the clinician should reference the anti-malarial medication the Veteran received during his 2003 period of service which, according to information submitted by the Veteran, is known to cause ringing in the ears in some cases.

 

 

R. Costello

Acting Veterans Law Judge

Board of Veterans’ Appeals

Attorney for the Board	Steven H. Johnston, Counsel

The Board’s decision in this case is binding only with respect to the instant matter decided. This decision is not precedential and does not establish VA policies or interpretations of general applicability. 38 C.F.R. § 20.1303.