Hearing loss decisions — 2008

The Board has determined that the veteran's current bilateral hearing loss is likely related to his in-service loud noise exposure, and service connection for this condition is granted.

The Board has determined that the appellant does not have current diagnoses for hemorrhoids, a neck disorder, or vision problems. Service connection is denied for these conditions as they are not shown to be related to service.

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

The Board has determined that the veteran's current bilateral hearing loss and tinnitus are related to his military service, specifically due to significant noise exposure. As a result, the claims for service connection have been granted.

The Board denied the veteran's claims for service connection for bilateral hearing loss and peripheral neuropathy of both lower extremities, finding that his current conditions were not related to military service or herbicide exposure.

The Board has denied the veteran's application to reopen his claim of service connection for bilateral hearing loss, finding that no new and material evidence was presented.

The Board found that the veteran's bilateral hearing loss did not warrant a rating higher than 10 percent from September 22, 2006.

The Board has determined that the veteran's bilateral hearing loss and tinnitus are causally related to service, with noise exposure being a significant factor. As such, the claims for service connection have been granted.

The Board has remanded the case for further development, including a VA audiological evaluation to determine if the veteran's current hearing loss disability is related to service. The RO must ensure all requested actions are completed and afford the veteran an opportunity to respond.

The Board found that the claimant's bilateral hearing loss existed prior to his active military service and was not aggravated by service. Therefore, it denied the claim for service connection.

The Board has remanded the case due to insufficient evidence regarding herbicide exposure and additional development is needed.

The Board finds that the appellant experienced a traumatic external event during her inactive duty for training in September 1992, which caused an existing acoustic neuroma to become symptomatic by way of aggravation. The resulting symptoms include nausea, headaches, vertigo, and right ear hearing loss.

The veteran's service-connected bilateral hearing loss is currently manifested by a Level I hearing loss for the right ear and a Level I hearing loss for the left ear, resulting in a noncompensable disability rating.

The Board has dismissed the appeal due to the appellant's withdrawal of the appeal prior to a decision being made.

The Board has determined that the veteran's service-connected bilateral hearing loss and tinnitus do not warrant a rating in excess of 10 percent, effective February 8, 2006. The appeal is denied.

The Board has determined that the veteran does not have diagnoses of certain conditions, and there is no competent medical evidence linking his military service to any current disabilities. Therefore, these claims for service connection are denied.

The Board denied the veteran's claims for increased ratings and service connection, finding that there was no legal basis to award higher ratings or secondary service connection. The veteran's hearing loss is currently rated at 30 percent, tinnitus at maximum schedular rating (10%), diabetes mellitus at 20%, diabetic neuropathy of both upper extremities at 10% each, and major depressive disorder was not found to be related to his diabetes.

The Board has determined that the veteran did not have an acquired psychiatric disorder, to include depression, during service or within one year thereafter. The residuals of a back injury and bilateral knee injuries are also not shown to be related to service. Hearing loss is not demonstrated as a disability under VA regulations.

The Board has determined that a remand is necessary to obtain additional information regarding the veteran's hearing loss and to clarify the etiology of his current bilateral hearing loss.

The Board has determined that the veteran's claimed bilateral hearing loss and tinnitus were not incurred or aggravated by service, and therefore denied both claims.