Hearing loss decisions — 2006

The veteran's service-connected bilateral hearing loss is currently evaluated as noncompensably disabling. The most recent audiometric findings show mild to moderately-severe high frequency sensori-neural hearing loss in the right ear and moderate to severe high frequency sensori-neural hearing loss in the left ear, resulting in a noncompensable rating.

The veteran's claim for service connection for migraine headaches has been reopened, and the case is being remanded to further develop evidence related to his claims. His bilateral hearing loss and Mônieres Disease are also inextricably intertwined with his current claims.

The veteran withdrew his appeal for the issues of service connection for a scar as the residual of left ear trauma and service connection for left-sided hearing loss.

The Board has determined that the veteran does not have PTSD, and his hypertension, bilateral hearing loss, or colitis are not service-connected. The claims for these conditions were denied.

The Board has determined that the veteran's bilateral hearing loss does not meet the criteria for a compensable evaluation, and therefore denies his claim.

The Board has determined that the veteran's current bilateral hearing loss is at least as likely as not related to his military service, including exposure to noise from aircraft engines. As a result, the claim for service connection for bilateral hearing loss is granted.

The VA Board has determined that the veteran's bilateral hearing loss and right knee synovitis with chondromalacia do not meet the criteria for a compensable rating under the applicable VA Rating Schedule.

The veteran's appeal is being remanded due to the need for additional development, including obtaining outpatient treatment records and a VA audiology examination. The issue of whether new and material evidence has been submitted to reopen his claim of service connection for tinnitus will also be addressed.

The Board has determined that the veteran's bilateral hearing loss does not warrant a rating in excess of 30 percent.

The Board has determined that the veteran's bilateral sensorineural hearing loss was not present during service and is not shown to be etiologically related to active service. Therefore, the claim for service connection for bilateral sensorineural hearing loss is denied.

The Board denied a higher initial rating for the veteran's bilateral hearing loss, finding that his hearing acuity did not meet the criteria for a compensable rating.

The Board found that the veteran's bilateral hearing loss disability and tinnitus were not incurred or aggravated by service, as there was no competent evidence of a nexus between his current conditions and his military service. The VA examiner opined that the veteran's hearing loss and tinnitus are more than not unrelated to military service.

The Board has denied the veteran's claims for service connection for post-traumatic stress disorder, hearing loss, and tinnitus as there is no medical evidence linking these conditions to his period of active service.

The Board has determined that the veteran's bilateral hearing loss and tinnitus are service-connected as they are related to his exposure to acoustic trauma during active duty.

The VA determined that the veteran does not have a current right ear hearing loss disability, and thus denied his claim for service connection.

The Board has remanded the case to the RO for additional development due to a previous Court decision.

The Board found that the veteran's service-connected bilateral hearing loss disability is no more than noncompensably disabling since February 1, 2003.

The Board has determined that a VA examination is needed to determine if the veteran's current bilateral hearing loss and tinnitus are related to his previously conceded acoustic trauma in service.

The Board has decided to remand the case for additional development, including obtaining the veteran's service and reserve personnel records as well as medical records. The VA audiologist will provide an opinion on whether the veteran's hearing loss and tinnitus are related to his military service.

The Board denied the veteran's claims for an initial compensable rating for bilateral hearing loss and service connection for tinnitus, finding that the evidence did not meet the criteria for a compensable rating or establish service connection.