Hearing loss decisions — 2009

The Board has determined that the Veteran's bilateral hearing loss and enlarged testicle were not incurred or aggravated by active service, as there is no evidence of a nexus between these conditions and his military service.

The Board has remanded the case due to the need for additional VA treatment records and an audiological examination to determine if the Veteran's current bilateral hearing loss is related to active service.

The Veteran's claim for reimbursement of unauthorized medical expenses incurred at a non-VA facility on August 12 and 17, 2004 was denied as the services were not authorized in advance and there was no emergency situation.

The Veteran does not have bilateral hearing loss that is related to his military service.

The Board has determined that the Veteran does not have a current right ear hearing loss disability for VA compensation purposes and there is no evidence of a left ear hearing loss disability within one year of separation from service. The Board also found that the Veteran's August 2007 VA examiner concluded it was less likely than not that his current left ear hearing loss is related to his active duty service.

The Board found that the Veteran's hearing loss and tinnitus were not incurred in or aggravated by active service, and denied both claims.

The Board has determined that the reduction of the total rating to a 40 percent rating for bilateral hearing loss was proper, and the Veteran's claim for service connection for prostate cancer is denied.

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

The Veteran's initial compensable rating for right ear hearing loss is denied.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's chronic headache disorder and bilateral hearing loss are likely related to his military service, granting service connection for both conditions.

The Board has remanded the case due to the need for a VA examination and further development of the claims, including consideration of service connection for hearing loss.

The Veteran's PTSD was granted an increased rating to 30 percent effective December 18, 2008. Service connection for hearing loss of the left ear and a skin rash were denied. The Veteran's claim of service connection for a left hand injury was withdrawn.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's claimed conditions, including bilateral hearing loss, vision loss, arthritis, tinea pedis (jungle rot), and a skin condition including acne, are not related to service. The evidence does not support a finding of in-service injury or disease for any of these conditions.

The Board has determined that new and material evidence has been presented to reopen the Veteran's claim of service connection for bilateral hearing loss. The Board finds that the Veteran's current bilateral hearing loss is as likely as not related to his military service, including noise exposure during active duty.

The Board has remanded the case for additional development, including obtaining a VA examination and requesting an opinion regarding the etiology of any current hearing loss and/or tinnitus disability.

The Board has determined that further development is needed to determine the nature and etiology of the Veteran's bilateral hearing loss and tinnitus, including whether there was any worsening in service or due to service exposure.

The Veteran's claim for an increased rating for his service-connected bilateral hearing loss was denied as the evidence did not meet the criteria for a compensable schedular evaluation.

The Veteran's claim for an initial compensable rating for bilateral hearing loss is denied. The Board finds that the Veteran has PTSD attributable to his active military service and grants service connection for PTSD.

The Veteran's left ear hearing loss is found to be incurred during his military service.

The Veteran was exposed to noise during active duty service. A current bilateral hearing loss disability for VA compensation purposes is not shown, but tinnitus is causally related to active service and the appeal is granted.