Hearing loss decisions — 2010

The Board found that the Veteran's right ear hearing loss was not incurred in or aggravated by active service and denied his claim. The tinnitus issue is also denied.

The Veteran's bilateral hearing loss is not shown to be related to his active service and was first manifested years after service. The Board finds that the preponderance of the evidence is against entitlement to service connection for bilateral hearing loss.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's hearing loss and tinnitus are at least as likely as not related to his military noise exposure, granting service connection for these conditions.

The Veteran's claims for service connection for bilateral hearing loss, tinnitus, and residuals of a claimed ear injury are being remanded due to the unavailability of his service treatment records. A VA examination is needed to determine the current nature and likely etiology of any hearing loss, tinnitus, and other ear disease or injury.

The Veteran's claim for aid and attendance benefits was granted, effective from May 28, 2003. The Appellant is seeking retroactive compensation due to the allowance of increased benefits based on aid and attendance.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's bilateral hearing loss is at least as likely as not due to in-service acoustic trauma and grants service connection for this condition.

The Board has determined that new and material evidence has been submitted to reopen the Veteran's claims for service connection for bilateral hearing loss and tinnitus. Resolving all doubt in favor of the Veteran, the criteria for service connection have been met.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's hearing loss disability in his left ear was caused by his active military service and granted service connection for this condition.

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

The Veteran's left ear hearing loss is currently rated as noncompensable, and the Board finds that a compensable evaluation is not warranted.

The Board has determined that new and material evidence has not been received to reopen the Veteran's claims for service connection for tinnitus, bilateral hearing loss, and a lumbar spine disorder. The RO's final decisions in February 1989 and October 1991 are considered final based on the evidence then of record.

The Veteran's claim for service connection for left ear hearing loss was denied as he does not have a sufficient level of hearing loss to be considered a disability by VA standards.

The Veteran's claims for an earlier effective date for bilateral hearing loss, a compensable rating for residuals of right cheekbone fracture, and service connection for various conditions have been denied. The Board found that the evidence did not meet the criteria for an earlier effective date prior to June 13, 2003, as no claim was filed before this date. The Veteran's other claims were also denied.

The Board finds that the Veteran's tinnitus is not related to his military service and denies the claim. The Board also notes that there is insufficient evidence to determine whether the increase in right ear hearing loss between January 1964 and July 1966 constitutes aggravation of a pre-existing condition, thus denying the issue of service connection for right ear hearing loss.

The Veteran's appeal is being remanded to obtain a VA examination for his claimed chronic acquired psychiatric disorder, hearing loss disability, and tinnitus. The RO will also consider the provisions of 38 C.F.R. § 3.304 as amended.

The Board has granted service connection for tongue cancer, tinnitus, left ear hearing loss, and PTSD. The Veteran's tongue cancer is presumed to be related to his in-service herbicide exposure (Agent Orange).

The Board denied the Veteran's claims for service connection for right ear hearing loss, left ear hearing loss, and bilateral tinnitus. The VA audiology examination revealed normal hearing in both ears at the time of service discharge and no current evidence linking these conditions to service.

The Board has remanded the case for further development due to outstanding VA treatment records and other issues.

The Board has decided to remand the case for additional development, including obtaining medical records and providing a clarifying opinion regarding the nature and etiology of any hearing loss and tinnitus.

The Veteran's claims for service connection for bilateral hearing loss and recurrent tinnitus were denied. The Board found no evidence of a chronic hearing loss or tinnitus during active service, and the presumption of service connection did not apply. For his acquired psychiatric disorder claim, the Board noted that VA had a duty to provide a VA examination but further development was needed as there was insufficient medical evidence to decide the Veteran's claim.