Hearing loss decisions — 2008

The Board has determined that additional development is needed to determine if the appellant's bilateral hearing loss was incurred during his military service, including an in-service incident at Ft. Gordon.

The Board has determined that the veteran's current bilateral hearing loss and tinnitus are related to service exposure, while his left and right knee disorders are also related to service. The Board granted service connection for these conditions.

The Board has remanded the case due to inadequate explanation of why a VA opinion was more probative than a private audiologist's opinion. The veteran is requested to provide any relevant medical records and undergo an examination for a proper determination on his claim.

The Board found that the evidence did not support a finding of a relationship between the veteran's currently diagnosed bilateral hearing loss and his military service.

The veteran's appeal is being remanded due to the need for a new hearing before a Veterans Law Judge.

The Board found no causal relationship between the veteran's current bilateral hearing loss and his service, concluding that it was not incurred or aggravated by service.

The Board has determined that a compensable rating for left ear hearing loss is not warranted based on the audiometric results provided.

The Board has remanded the case due to a lack of complete medical records, and the veteran's claim for service connection for bilateral hearing loss will be further developed.

The veteran's claims for service connection for various conditions, including tinea pedis with onychomycosis, bilateral hearing loss, genitourinary condition, cardiovascular disorder, residuals of pneumonia, and prostate condition are denied as there is no evidence of in-service incurrence or a nexus to service.

The Board has determined that the veteran's bilateral hearing loss does not warrant an initial compensable evaluation, as his puretone thresholds do not meet the criteria for a compensable rating under VA's auditory acuity levels.

The Board has determined that the veteran's chronic bilateral sensorineural hearing loss disability is service-connected, as it was likely caused by noise exposure during active service. The issue of service connection for tinnitus remains unresolved.

The Board has determined that there is no current medical evidence of diagnosis for hearing loss or tinnitus, and thus the veteran's claims for service connection are denied.

The veteran's claim for service connection was denied, and he died without having a pending claim or existing rating that would qualify him for accrued benefits.

The veteran's appeal is remanded for further development, including obtaining VA and SSA records, scheduling medical examinations, and considering the intertwined issues of TDIU and increased rating for mood disorder.

The Board has determined that the evidence is at least in equipoise on whether currently diagnosed bilateral hearing loss is related to acoustic trauma during service, and thus grants service connection for this disability.

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

The Board has determined that the veteran does not have hearing loss or tinnitus that is related to his active service, and thus denied both claims.

The Board found that new and material evidence had not been received to reopen the claim of service connection for bilateral hearing loss. The preponderance of the medical evidence established that the veteran's current hearing loss did not have its onset in service and was not caused by a disease or injury incurred in service.

The veteran's service connection claims are being remanded due to the loss of his service medical records and for further development, including VA examinations.

The veteran's appeal for an increased rating for bilateral hearing loss has been dismissed due to the death of the appellant.