Hearing loss decisions — 2008

The Board has determined that the veteran's bilateral hearing loss and tinnitus are not service-connected due to a lack of evidence showing their onset or aggravation during military service, and no presumption applies.

The Board denied the veteran's claims for service connection for hearing loss, tinnitus, and a skin disorder. The Board found no evidence of current disabilities related to these conditions.

The veteran's claim for an initial, compensable rating for bilateral hearing loss is being remanded due to the need for a VA audiological examination and notification of additional evidence requirements.

The Board has granted service connection for bilateral hearing loss and tinnitus, finding that the veteran's current disabilities are related to his military service.

The Board denied the veteran's claim to reopen his low back disability and denied his claim for bilateral hearing loss.,Bilateral hearing loss was not incurred in or aggravated by service.

The veteran's appeal is being remanded for further procedural and evidentiary development, including scheduling examinations at the Grand Island VAMC to assess his need for aid and attendance of another person, obtaining recent medical records from the VAMC in Grand Island, providing notice under Dingess/Hartman v. Nicholson, and readjudicating the claims.

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

The Board has granted service connection for bilateral hearing loss and tinnitus, finding that the veteran's current conditions are related to his exposure to loud noise during military service.

The Board has determined that the veteran's hearing loss and tinnitus are related to his military service, meeting all criteria for service connection.

The Board has determined that the veteran's bilateral hearing loss and tinnitus are related to military noise exposure, resolving reasonable doubt in favor of the veteran.

The veteran's claims for service connection on the issues of residuals of a right shoulder injury, PTSD, and bilateral hearing loss with vertigo are being remanded due to incomplete development.

The Board found no evidence to support the veteran's claim that his current right ear hearing loss is related to military service, and denied his claim for service connection.

The Board has determined that the veteran's bilateral hearing loss disability is not related to his military service and denied the claim. The issue of tinnitus was remanded for further examination.

The Board found that the veteran's current bilateral hearing loss and tinnitus are more likely than not related to acoustic trauma sustained during his military service, including as a fighter pilot and landing signal officer. The claims for service connection were granted.

The Board denied service connection for hearing loss and tinnitus, finding no competent medical evidence linking these conditions to the veteran's time in active duty.,The claim for service connection for depression and anxiety disorder (claimed as nerves) was also denied, with the decision being final due to lack of timely NOD.

The Board has reopened the veteran's claim for service connection for bilateral hearing loss and perforated ear drums. However, further evidence is needed to determine if these conditions are related to his military service.

The Board has determined that the veteran does not have a current diagnosis of hearing loss in his right ear, as defined by VA regulations. As such, service connection for right ear hearing loss is denied.

The Board denied the veteran's claims for service connection for bilateral hearing loss and a higher rating for hypertension. The veteran did not have a current disability due to military service, and his blood pressure readings were below the threshold for a higher rating under VA criteria.

The Board has determined that additional action is required due to inadequate VCAA notice, and the case is being remanded for further development.

The veteran's service connection claims for hearing loss with left ear injury and residuals of blast injury to the left hand have been denied. The Board found no current residuals of blast injury to the left hand other than the already service-connected left third finger injury, and there is insufficient evidence to establish a direct relationship between the in-service ear injury and any current hearing or ear disorder.