Hearing loss decisions — 2008

The veteran was granted service connection for PTSD, but denied service connection for bilateral hearing loss and multiple other disabilities due to shell fragment wounds in service. The Board found that the evidence supported a diagnosis of PTSD based on verified combat stressors, but did not find sufficient evidence to support current diagnoses or etiology for the other conditions.

The Board has determined that the veteran's bilateral hearing loss is related to in-service acoustic trauma and grants service connection for this condition.

The Board denied the veteran's claim for an increased evaluation for his sensorineural hearing loss of the right ear, finding that the evidence did not meet the criteria for a higher rating.

The Board has determined that new and material evidence has not been received to reopen the veteran's claims for service connection for tinnitus. The claim for service connection for bilateral hearing loss is denied as there is no evidence of in-service noise exposure or a current disability related to military service.

The Board has determined that the veteran's hearing loss of the left ear does not warrant a compensable rating, as it is currently rated at level V on the VA disability rating schedule.

The Board found that the veteran's current bilateral hearing loss and tinnitus are not causally related to active service, and thus denied his claims for service connection.

The VA determined that the veteran's bilateral hearing loss does not warrant a rating higher than 30 percent, as his most severe hearing impairment is classified as Level VI in each ear.

The veteran is seeking service connection for bilateral hearing loss and tinnitus, which he claims are related to noise exposure during his military service. The Board has determined that additional examination and opinion are needed due to the potential impact of Reserve service on the findings.

The Board found that the veteran's bilateral hearing loss was not incurred in or aggravated by service, nor may it be presumed to have been so incurred. The evidence did not support a grant of service connection for this disability.

The Board has determined that the veteran's hearing loss is service-connected, with some exposure to noise during service and a finding of current bilateral hearing disability.

The Board finds that the veteran does not have a current bilateral hearing loss disability for VA compensation purposes, and thus cannot establish service connection.

The Board has determined that the veteran does not have a current diagnosis of left ear hearing loss for VA purposes and therefore, service connection cannot be granted.

The Board has granted service connection for osteoarthritis of the right and left knees, but denied service connection for bilateral hearing loss disability as it was not incurred or aggravated during active service.

The veteran's bilateral hearing loss is currently rated at 30 percent, and his low back disability and right hip condition are both service-connected. The Board has granted these claims.

The Board has denied service connection for bilateral hearing loss and tinnitus, finding no current evidence of these conditions. The veteran's claims are referred to the RO for further consideration.

The Board has determined that a VA examination and medical opinion are necessary to determine the nature and etiology of any hearing loss present. The veteran's claim for service connection for bilateral hearing loss is being remanded for further development.

The Board has determined that the veteran sustained injuries to his right shoulder during combat conditions in service, and thus grants service connection for residuals of a right shoulder injury. Service connection is also granted for bilateral hearing loss as it is presumed related to service due to exposure to loud noise from military service.

The veteran's appeal is being remanded for additional development, including a VA examination to assess the severity of his service-connected lumbar spine disability and determine if he has bilateral hearing loss. The issue of tinnitus will also be deferred until further information can be obtained.

The Board has granted the veteran's claim to reopen his service connection claims for tinnitus and bilateral hearing loss, but finds that neither condition was incurred in or aggravated by military service.

The veteran's claims for service connection for bilateral hearing loss and tinnitus are being remanded due to the need for additional development, including obtaining relevant medical records and scheduling a VA audiological examination.