Hearing loss decisions — 2008

The Board found that the veteran's hearing loss and tinnitus did not have onset during active service, were not otherwise related to his military service, and therefore denied his claims for service connection.

The Board has determined that the veteran's current right ear hearing loss is service-connected, as his in-service loud noise exposure likely caused this condition.

The Board has determined that the veteran's current bilateral sensorineural hearing loss and tinnitus are not related to his active duty service.

The Board finds that the veteran's bilateral hearing loss does not warrant an initial compensable disability rating, as his current evaluation of zero percent is appropriate based on the average puretone threshold and speech discrimination test results.

The Board has remanded the case due to incomplete service records and the need for a VA examination to determine the existence of current bilateral hearing loss. The veteran's claims for back injury residuals and bilateral hearing loss are pending.

The veteran's combined disability rating is 90%, meeting the minimum schedular criteria for TDIU. However, his service-connected disabilities do not render him unemployable as he can perform the physical and mental acts required by employment.

The Board has determined that the veteran does not have a current hearing loss or tinnitus disability that is related to his military service. The evidence shows no complaints of, or treatment for, these conditions during service and there is no competent medical evidence linking them to service.

The Board denied the veteran's claims of service connection for a low back disability and entitlement to a compensable evaluation for bilateral hearing loss.

The veteran's bilateral high frequency hearing loss and right cervical muscle strain (cervical spine disability) have been granted increased ratings.

The Board has determined that the veteran does not have a current diagnosis of bilateral hearing loss, recurrent tinnitus, or left arm disorder (carpal tunnel syndrome) for VA purposes. The claims for service connection for these conditions are therefore denied.

The Board has determined that a VA examination is needed to assess the current status of the veteran's hearing loss and tinnitus, as well as their relationship to service. The veteran will be provided another opportunity to respond to this request for information.

The veteran's bilateral hearing loss has been rated as noncompensable throughout the appeal period.

The Board has determined that additional development is required to properly adjudicate the veteran's claims, including obtaining medical records and service personnel records.

The veteran's claims for service connection and increased evaluations were denied. Bilateral hearing loss and left ear otitis media are not related to active service.

The Board found that the cause of the veteran's death was not related to his service-connected PTSD, and thus denied the claim for service connection for the cause of death.

The Board finds that the veteran's left ear hearing loss disability is due to noise exposure during service, and grants the claim for service connection.

The Board found no evidence of hearing loss or tinnitus during service, and the medical evidence does not show a relationship between current hearing loss and tinnitus and active duty. The veteran's claims for service connection were denied.

The Board found that the veteran's hearing loss is at least as likely as not related to his military service, and thus granted service connection for bilateral hearing loss.

The veteran's appeal is being remanded for a hearing before a Veterans Law Judge at the RO.

The Board has decided that the veteran's claims for hearing loss and tinnitus should be remanded due to a lack of medical nexus evidence.