Hearing loss decisions — 2009

The Board has dismissed the appeal due to the death of the appellant.

The Board has determined that new and material evidence has not been received to reopen the claims for bilateral hearing loss, tinnitus, hypertension, psychiatric disability (anxiety and nervousness), skin disability, respiratory disability, neurological disability, bilateral femoral epicondylitis, insomnia, and gastritis.

The Veteran's claim for service connection for tinnitus and an initial rating for bilateral hearing loss was denied. The Veteran is not entitled to specially adapted housing or a special home adaptation grant.

The Veteran is seeking an initial disability rating in excess of 40 percent for his service-connected bilateral hearing loss. The case has been remanded due to inadequate VA examinations and the need for clarification on the severity of his hearing loss.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's current bilateral hearing loss disability and tinnitus are causally related to noise exposure during active military service, warranting service connection for both conditions.

The Board found that the Veteran's bilateral hearing loss was not incurred in or aggravated by service and denied his claim. For PTSD, the Board granted service connection but noted that the Veteran's symptoms did not warrant a higher initial rating.

The Veteran's claims of reopening his right ear hearing loss claim and seeking an increased rating for left ear hearing loss are being remanded due to the need for additional examinations, treatment records review, and compliance with VA notice requirements.

The Board denied the Veteran's claims of service connection for bilateral hearing loss, tinnitus, a left second metatarsal disorder, and a right thumb disorder. The Veteran was granted service connection for traumatic arthralgia of the left foot.

The Board has determined that additional development is necessary to determine the validity of the appellant's claims for service connection for bilateral hearing loss and sinus disorder. The VA will obtain all relevant medical records, including those from his military service, as well as any alternative sources of evidence.

The Board denied the Veteran's claims for service connection for bilateral hearing loss and tinnitus, finding that there was no evidence of current disabilities during or within one year after service, and that any such conditions were not related to service.

The Veteran's hypertension and cervical spine disability are service-connected. The Veteran has a current diagnosis of hemorrhoids, but the Board finds that there is no evidence to support a finding of service connection for this condition. The Veteran does not have a diagnosed spina bifida occulta or left varicocele. There is insufficient evidence to establish service connection for his genitourinary disorder or right ear hearing loss. Headaches are service-connected, but the Veteran's claim for increased evaluation was denied.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's current bilateral hearing loss disability is at least as likely as not related to service, including exposure to acoustic trauma during service. As such, service connection for bilateral hearing loss is granted.

The Veteran's appeal is being remanded due to missing evidence from the original claims file, including affidavits/statements by Eustaquio Fernandez, Tirso Florentino, Anacleto Luca, and Rosendo Sarandi. The case will be reviewed for any additional development before a final decision can be made.

The Board denied the Veteran's claims for an initial compensable evaluation for bilateral hearing loss and service connection for tinnitus, finding that there was no evidence to support these claims.

The Board denied service connection for left leg thrombophlebitis and bilateral hearing loss, finding no competent medical evidence linking these conditions to the Veteran's period of active service.

The Board has remanded the Veteran's claims for additional development due to missing service records and a VA audio examination.

The Board denied the Veteran's claims for service connection for bilateral hearing loss, joint pain, and muscle pain due to an undiagnosed illness. The evidence did not establish current disabilities or a nexus between any claimed conditions and military service.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's current right ear hearing loss is not related to his military service, and thus denied his claim for service connection.

The Board has determined that new and material evidence was not received to reopen the claim of service connection for bilateral hearing loss, which had been previously denied in October 1980.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's current bilateral hearing loss and tinnitus do not meet the criteria for service connection as they are not related to his active service.