Hearing loss decisions — 2009

The Veteran's appeal has been withdrawn prior to the Board making a decision.

The Board has dismissed the appeal as the claims have been granted and effective dates assigned by a May 2009 rating decision.

The Veteran's appeal is remanded for a VA audiology examination to determine the current status and extent of his service-connected bilateral hearing loss. The RO should also consider whether extraschedular consideration is warranted.

The Board has remanded the case for further development, including obtaining Social Security Administration records and treatment records from medical providers.

The Veteran's claim for an increased rating for his service-connected left ear hearing loss is being remanded due to the need for a new VA audiological examination.

The Veteran's claim for an initial compensable rating for service-connected bilateral hearing loss is denied.,New and material evidence has been received to reopen the previously denied claim seeking service connection for loss of vision in the right eye, but service connection cannot be granted as it was denied due to lack of evidence at that time. Service connection for diabetes mellitus is presumed based on herbicide exposure during service in the Republic of Vietnam.,Service connection for TMJ syndrome and headaches is not granted as there is no evidence linking these conditions to service. The Veteran's claim for alcoholism is precluded by law, and hypoglycemia is not a disability for which VA benefits can be awarded.,Impaired immunity, swollen prostate, and swollen lymph glands are presumed due to herbicide exposure and radiation, but there is no evidence of these conditions being related to service.

The Veteran's bilateral hearing loss and PTSD have been granted service connection, with the PTSD receiving a 30 percent initial rating.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's hearing acuity did not warrant a compensable rating for bilateral hearing loss during the appeal period.

The Board denied the Veteran's claims for service connection for bilateral hearing loss and tinnitus, finding that there was no evidence of in-service injury or disease resulting in these disabilities.

The Veteran's bilateral hearing loss is determined to be caused by service, and the Board grants service connection for this condition.

The Veteran's appeal is remanded for proper issuance of a Statement of the Case and to provide him an opportunity to perfect his appeal. The case will be returned to the Board after any necessary development.

The Board has determined that the Veteran did not have hearing loss or tinnitus during service, and there is no evidence of continuity of symptoms since service. Therefore, the claims for service connection are denied.

The Board found that the Veteran's left ear sensorineural hearing loss is not causally related to his period of active service and may not be presumed to be.

The Veteran's appeal is being remanded due to the need for a new hearing before the Travel Board.

The Veteran's appeal for an increased evaluation for bilateral hearing loss was denied by the Board. The decision found that his hearing loss did not meet criteria for a compensable evaluation based on VA rating criteria.

The Board has determined that a remand is required to obtain additional medical records and conduct further examination of the Veteran's bilateral hearing loss.

The Veteran's back and bilateral hearing loss disabilities are service-connected. The psychiatric, right leg, and left leg disabilities have not been linked to service.

The Veteran's claims for increased ratings for his service-connected left knee disability and right ear hearing loss were denied. The current noncompensable rating assigned to the right ear hearing loss is maintained.

The Veteran withdrew his appeal regarding the claim for an increased rating for bilateral hearing loss.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's bilateral hearing loss and tinnitus were not incurred in or aggravated by service, and may not be presumed to have been incurred in service.