Hearing loss decisions — 2007

The Board denied service connection for anemia, bilateral hearing loss, and tinnitus due to lack of evidence linking these conditions to military service.

The Board has determined that the veteran's service-connected disabilities did not cause or substantially contribute to his death from suspected sepsis. Therefore, the claim for service connection for the cause of the veteran's death for purposes of VA burial benefits is denied.

The Board denied the veteran's claims for service connection for hearing loss and entitlement to a total disability rating based on individual unemployability due to her service-connected disabilities. The Board found that there was no evidence of in-service hearing loss or noise exposure, and concluded that the veteran's current hearing loss is not related to her active duty service. Additionally, the Board determined that she does not meet the schedular requirements for a total rating based on individual unemployability due to her service-connected disabilities.

The Board denied the veteran's claims for service connection for bilateral hearing loss and tinnitus, finding no evidence of a nexus between his current disabilities and his military service.

The Board has denied the veteran's claims for service connection for hearing loss and tinnitus, as well as his claim for TDIU. The veteran's service treatment records do not show any complaints or findings of hearing problems during service. Post-service medical evidence shows that the veteran met the criteria for a hearing disability under VA regulations but there is no further pertinent evidence of record.

The veteran's bilateral hearing loss disability is evaluated as noncompensable under the VA rating schedule.

The Board has denied the veteran's claims for service connection for acne, an ingrown toenail on the left great toe, tinnitus, a left knee disability, hypertension (claimed as high blood pressure), and bilateral hearing loss. The reasons given include lack of current evidence of these conditions.

The Board denied the veteran's claims of entitlement to service connection for PTSD, bilateral hearing loss, left leg neuropathy, and sinusitis. The denial is based on a lack of credible supporting evidence corroborating the claimed in-service stressors for PTSD and because there is no evidence linking the current disabilities to service or any noise exposure.

The veteran's claims for initial compensable ratings for bilateral hearing loss and hypertension were denied as the evidence did not meet the criteria for a compensable rating under VA regulations.

The Board has remanded the case due to the need for a VA audiologic examination and further explanation regarding the veteran's bilateral hearing loss.

The Board has determined that the veteran's bilateral hearing loss and tinnitus are not related to his military service, as there is no evidence of in-service noise exposure or a nexus between current symptoms and service. The preponderance of the evidence does not support the claims for service connection.

The Board has denied the veteran's claims for service connection for bilateral hearing loss and tinnitus, finding that there is no competent evidence linking these conditions to his military service.

The veteran's VA disability compensation is subject to recoupment of the amount of Special Separation Benefits received at separation from service. The issue regarding an increased (compensable) disability rating for bilateral hearing loss was denied.

The Board has remanded the veteran's claims of service connection for hearing loss and left elbow disabilities due to inadequate VCAA notice, need for medical opinions regarding etiology, and additional development is required.

The VA determined that the veteran's bilateral hearing loss does not warrant a compensable rating.

The Board has determined that the veteran's type II diabetes mellitus, fibromyalgia, bilateral hearing loss, and tinnitus are not related to his military service.

The Board has reopened the veteran's claim for service connection for bilateral hearing loss due to new evidence showing a possible link between his current hearing impairment and military noise exposure. However, the Board found that there is not enough evidence to establish a direct relationship between the veteran's in-service noise exposure and his current hearing disability.

The veteran's claims for service connection are being remanded due to the need for additional medical opinions and records.

The veteran's appeal is being remanded for additional development, including obtaining recent VA treatment records and scheduling a VA examination to assess the severity of his left ear otitis media and defective hearing.

The Board has denied service connection for hypertension, bilateral hearing loss, bilateral knee disability, and kidney disorder (manifested by renal failure) as these conditions are not shown to be related to service. Service connection is granted for a low back disability.