Hearing loss decisions — 2007

The Board has dismissed the issue of entitlement to service connection for bilateral hearing loss due to a potential jurisdictional defect. The veteran's claim for an increased rating for his lower back condition is remanded for further action.

The veteran's bilateral hearing loss was not incurred in or aggravated by military service, and the Board denied his claim for service connection.

The Board found that the veteran's hearing loss was not incurred in or aggravated by service, nor may it be presumed to have been incurred in or aggravated by such service. The claim for service connection for PTSD is denied as there is no persuasive medical diagnosis of PTSD.

The Board has determined that the veteran's current hearing loss is not related to his military service and has denied his claim.

The VA denied a higher rating for the veteran's bilateral hearing loss, finding that his current level of hearing acuity does not meet the criteria for a compensable rating.

The veteran's claims for service connection for left and right ankle disabilities, bilateral hearing loss, and tinnitus have been denied as there is no evidence of a chronic disability during or within one year after service. The Board finds that the current diagnoses are not related to active service.

The Board has determined that the veteran's current diagnosis of bilateral hearing loss is related to noise exposure during his military service, and thus grants the claim for service connection.

The Board found that the veteran does not have current hearing loss or tinnitus for which service connection can be granted. The left ear hearing loss is presumed to be related to service, but there is no evidence of a skin disorder related to Agent Orange exposure.

The VA denied the veteran's claim for service connection for hearing loss, concluding that his current hearing loss is not related to his military service.

The veteran's initial compensable evaluation for bilateral hearing loss is denied, and his asthma claim requires further review.

The Board found no evidence of current hearing loss, tinnitus, ear pain, or dizzy spells. The veteran's complaints were associated with otitis media that resolved with treatment.

The Board has remanded the veteran's claims of service connection for bilateral hearing loss and tinnitus due to a need for further examination.

The Board has remanded the case for additional development due to errors in duty to assist and duty to obtain evidence.

The Board has remanded the case due to inadequate examination and failure to fulfill duty to assist provisions of VCAA. The veteran needs a more adequate otolaryngology examination to determine if his current bilateral hearing loss is related to service or any inservice exposure to noise.

The veteran's appeal is dismissed as no justiciable case or controversy is before the Board at this time.

The Board found no evidence of right ear hearing loss in service or for more than 17 years after discharge, and the most persuasive opinion that directly addresses the relationship between current right ear hearing loss and service weighs against the claim.

The Board has determined that the veteran's bilateral hearing loss is not related to his service and therefore denied his claim.

The veteran's claim for increased ratings for bilateral hearing loss prior to December 16, 2002 was denied. From December 16, 2002, his rating remained at 20 percent.

The veteran's claims for hearing loss, PTSD, a skin rash, and left ear hearing loss were denied as there was no evidence to support the assertions or service connection.

The Board has determined that the veteran's bilateral hearing loss and tinnitus are related to his active military service, resolving all doubts in favor of the veteran.