Hearing loss decisions — 2009

The Board finds that the Veteran's current bilateral hearing loss is likely due to noise exposure during his extended period of active service, and grants service connection for this condition.

The Board found that the Veteran's otitis media pre-existed service and was not aggravated by service, thus rejecting the presumption of soundness. The claim for bilateral hearing loss was denied as there is no medical evidence to support a nexus between the condition and service.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's hearing loss and tinnitus are not related to his military service, and thus denied both claims.

The Board denied all claims, including service connection for various conditions and compensation under 38 U.S.C.A. § 1151 due to VA treatment.

The Veteran's claims for service connection for bilateral hearing loss, tinnitus, vertigo, an acquired psychiatric disorder (including PTSD), irritable bowel syndrome (IBS), and a sleep disorder were denied. The Board found that the evidence did not support a finding of in-service onset or aggravation of these conditions.

The Board has remanded the case for further development, including obtaining VA outpatient treatment records and scheduling a VA examination to determine the etiology of the Veteran's bilateral hearing loss.

The Board has determined that further development is needed to determine the nature and etiology of the appellant's hearing loss, including whether any pre-existing condition was aggravated by service or if it is related to in-service noise exposure. The case will be remanded for these purposes.

The Veteran's service-connected left ear hearing loss is rated at 0 percent, as it falls within the criteria for Level II hearing impairment. The nonservice-connected right ear hearing loss is also considered, but does not affect the rating determination.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's bilateral hearing loss is not related to his active service and was first shown years post-service. As a result, the claim for service connection for bilateral hearing loss is denied.

The Board has remanded the claims for increase for coronary artery disease and total disability rating based on individual unemployability due to procedural issues.

The Board has remanded the case to the RO for further development, including scheduling a videoconference hearing. The issues of service connection will be considered on a de novo basis if the Veteran attends the scheduled hearing.

The Veteran's claims for service connection and increased evaluations have been granted. Effective dates are assigned based on the date of receipt of his claims.

The Board found that the Veteran's left ear hearing loss is service-connected due to noise exposure during service. However, there is no evidence linking his prostate cancer to service or Agent Orange exposure.

The Veteran's appeal for a higher initial rating for bilateral hearing loss has been dismissed as the appellant withdrew their appeal.

The Board denied the Veteran's claim for an earlier effective date of March 20, 2008 for his service-connected hearing loss.

The Veteran's service-connected disabilities, including schizophrenia and multiple physical impairments, meet the criteria for financial assistance in acquiring specially adapted housing (SAH). However, his entitlement to SAH precludes him from receiving financial assistance in acquiring special home adaptations (SHA).

The Board found that the Veteran's bilateral hearing loss and tinnitus are not related to his military service, including noise exposure during World War II.

The Board has denied the Veteran's petitions to reopen his claims of service connection for bilateral hearing loss, bilateral tinnitus, and sebaceous cysts. The evidence does not relate these conditions to active service.

The Board denied the Veteran's claim for service connection for bilateral hearing loss, finding that it was not incurred or aggravated by active service and is not related to his period of National Guard service.

The Board has determined that the appellant's bilateral hearing loss disability does not warrant a compensable evaluation, and service connection for tinnitus is granted.