Hearing loss decisions — 2009

The Board denied the Veteran's claims of service connection for tinnitus and bilateral hearing loss, finding no new and material evidence to reopen the tinnitus claim and concluding that there was insufficient evidence linking the current hearing loss disability to service.

The Board found that the Veteran's currently diagnosed bilateral hearing loss is not related to military service and denied his claim. The respiratory disorder issue was remanded for further examination.

The Board has determined that additional development of the evidence is required before a decision can be made on the Veteran's claims for service connection for bilateral hearing loss and tinnitus.

The Veteran's appeal is remanded due to the need for a current VA audiological examination and additional treatment records. The case will be readjudicated after these are obtained.

The Board has determined that new and material evidence has not been received to reopen the Veteran's claim of service connection for bilateral hearing loss, resulting in a denial.

The Veteran's claims for an initial compensable evaluation for hearing loss and service connection for acquired vision impairment, left heel condition, and dental condition have been denied. The Veteran has not provided evidence of a current disability or established a medical etiology.

The Veteran's appeal is being remanded for further development of his claims, including obtaining records from the Social Security Administration.

The Board has remanded the Veteran's claims for service connection of right and left foot disabilities, as well as his claim to reopen his previously denied claim for service connection of hearing loss in the left ear. The appeal is currently pending with the RO.

The Board denied the Veteran's claims for service connection for bilateral hearing loss and tinnitus, finding that there was no evidence of a nexus between his current disabilities and active service.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's current bilateral hearing loss was not incurred or aggravated by active military service. The pre-existing right ear hearing loss is presumed to have existed prior to service and did not worsen during service. There is no evidence of left ear hearing loss in service, and the VA examiner concluded it is less likely than not related to his military service.

The Veteran's appeal was granted, and he is now rated at a 30 percent disability rating for Meniere's syndrome. The other issues were denied.

The Veteran's appeal is being remanded due to a request for a personal hearing. The case will be returned to the Board after appropriate action has been taken.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's bilateral hearing loss and tinnitus are related to his military service, with the most likely cause being noise exposure during active duty. As a result, the claim for service connection is granted.

The Veteran's appeal involves multiple issues related to service connection and increased ratings for various conditions, including diabetes mellitus, arthritis of the knees, and peripheral neuropathy. The case is being remanded due to scheduling a hearing.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's bilateral hearing loss disability and tinnitus are not related to his military service, as there is no evidence of in-service injury or disease. The current disabilities were not shown within one year of separation from service, nor can they be presumed due to exposure to noise during service.

The Veteran's hepatitis B is currently rated as 10 percent disabling. The Board finds that a higher initial rating for hepatitis B is not warranted at any time during the pendency of this claim.

The Board has determined that further development is needed to verify the Veteran's Coast Guard Reserve service and obtain any outstanding records. Additionally, a VA examination is required to determine if the Veteran's current hearing loss and tinnitus are related to his military service.

The Veteran's claims for an increased rating for bilateral hearing loss and TDIU are being remanded due to the need for a more contemporaneous VA examination.

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 medical records and a VA examination.

The Veteran is seeking service connection for various conditions, including an acquired psychiatric disorder. The Board has determined that a remand is necessary to obtain additional medical opinions regarding the nature and etiology of these claims.