Citation Nr: 22017568 Decision Date: 03/25/22 Archive Date: 03/25/22 DOCKET NO. 17-55 491 DATE: March 25, 2022 REMANDED Service connection for tinnitus is remanded. REASONS FOR REMAND The Veteran served on active duty from January 1993 to June 1995. This matter comes before the Board of Veterans' Appeals (Board) on appeal from a May 2017 rating decision of the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) Regional Office (RO). Service connection for tinnitus is remanded. The Veteran contends that he suffers from tinnitus as a result of in-service noise exposure from generators, weapons qualification exercises, and the decontamination operations he ran. The Veteran's service treatment records are negative for any complaints or diagnosis of tinnitus. However, in a post-service treatment record from June 2010, the Veteran reported having ringing in his ears following an incident in which he got too close to a mortar simulator and "flew about 5 ft away and was dazed and confused. Shook it off and carried on." The Veteran also reported ringing in his ears in May 2012 and March 2017 VA treatment records. In contrast, the Veteran denied having tinnitus in May 2014, December 2014, and April 2016 treatment records. On his May 2017 Notice of Disagreement, the Veteran reported that "I have had this condition for so long without knowing exactly what it was until it was explained to me that the high pitch tone in my ears was in fact tinnitus.... So naturally when asked about it I gave an answer true to my knowledge at that time. Now that I know it's a condition I am seeking help for it." The Veteran underwent a VA examination for hearing loss and tinnitus in March 2017. He reported constant ringing tinnitus beginning four years ago after a sharp pain and reported no concerns with tinnitus prior to four years ago. Following an examination of the Veteran and review of his claims file, the examiner concluded that the Veteran's current tinnitus was less likely than not caused by or a result of military noise exposure. The examiner cited a 2006 study by the Institute of Medicine finding that the more delayed tinnitus is relative to a noise exposure the more likely the tinnitus was caused by factors other than the noise exposure. An addendum opinion obtained in August 2017 also found that the Veteran's tinnitus was less likely than not caused by or a result of military noise exposure. In support of their negative nexus opinions, the examiners cited the Veteran's May 2014 and December 2014 medical records in which he denied tinnitus. The examiners did not note the Veteran's earlier medical records from June 2010 and May 2012 in which he reported having ringing in his ears. Accordingly, the Board finds that remand for an addendum opinion is necessary. The matter is REMANDED for the following action: 1. Obtain an addendum medical opinion on the claim for service connection. If a new examination is deemed necessary to respond to the question presented, one should be scheduled. After review of the claims file, the examiner should opine: Whether it is as likely as not (an approximate balance) that the Veteran's tinnitus had its onset in service or is otherwise related to service. The examiner should explain why or why not, to include addressing the Veteran's June 1, 2010 and May 29, 2012 medical records in which he reported having ringing in his ears. 2. If the claim remains denied, issue a supplemental statement of the case. K. A. BANFIELD Veterans Law Judge Board of Veterans' Appeals Attorney for the Board M. Jesteadt, Associate 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.