Hearing loss decisions — 2010

The Veteran's claim for service connection for bilateral hearing loss was denied as there is no evidence of a nexus between his current condition and his military service.

The Board found that the Veteran's bilateral hearing loss and tinnitus were not incurred in or related to service, including noise exposure. The evidence did not support a nexus between these conditions and service.

The Board found that the Veteran's bilateral hearing loss was not incurred in or aggravated by active service and denied his claim.

The Veteran's service-connected bilateral hearing loss is currently rated as noncompensable. The January 2008 VA examination results in a hearing acuity of Level IV for the right ear and Level I for the left ear, warranting a 0 percent rating under the applicable regulations.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's claims for service connection for bilateral hearing loss disability and psychiatric disability are granted, as new and material evidence has been received to reopen these previously denied claims.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's currently diagnosed bilateral hearing loss is a result of his active military service.

The Board has remanded the case due to the need for additional development, including obtaining a VA audiogram from February 2008 and providing updated VCAA notice. The propriety of reducing the Veteran's bilateral hearing loss disability rating and his claim for TDIU are inextricably intertwined.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's bilateral hearing loss and psychiatric disorder were not incurred or aggravated by active service, nor may they be presumed to have been so incurred. The evidence does not support a finding of current disabilities for these conditions.

The Board has determined that the appellant does not have service connection for hearing loss disability or tinnitus due to lack of evidence showing these conditions were incurred in or aggravated by service.

The Veteran's claims for service connection and increased ratings have been denied. The Board found that the Veteran does not have right ear hearing loss, and his left ear hearing loss has not met criteria for a compensable rating.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's left ear hearing loss is not related to service and may not be presumed to have been incurred therein. The claim for service connection for left ear hearing loss is denied.

The Veteran's service-connected disabilities (bilateral hearing loss, plantar warts of the left foot, varicose veins of both lower extremities, tinnitus, and PTSD) prevent him from engaging in substantially gainful employment.

The Board denied the Veteran's claims for service connection for bilateral hearing loss, osteoarthritis, right knee disability, and laceration of the left wrist. The decision also noted that new and material evidence had not been received to reopen these previously denied claims.

The Board has granted service connection for hearing loss of the left ear, finding that it is related to the appellant's military service. The right ear hearing loss claim remains pending.

The Board has determined that new and material evidence has been received to reopen the Veteran's claims for service connection for asthma, pneumonia, bilateral hearing loss, and tinnitus. As a result, these issues are being remanded to the RO for further consideration.

The Veteran's claims for service connection for left ear hearing loss, prostate cancer, and multiple myeloma were denied. The Board found that the Veteran did not have sufficient hearing loss in his left ear to be considered a disability by VA standards, and there was no evidence linking his prostate cancer or multiple myeloma to his military service.

The Veteran's appeal for higher ratings on multiple service-connected conditions, including tinnitus and hearing loss, was denied. The Veteran also requested service connection for otitis media of the left ear and bronchitis, but these claims were not addressed as they are not related to service connection.

The Veteran's appeal is being remanded to the RO for a local hearing and readjudication of his claims.

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

The Board has determined that the Veteran's claims for service connection are not properly characterized as separate claims and have been remanded to obtain a VA examination to determine if any current psychiatric disability is attributable to his time on active duty. The hearing loss and tinnitus issues also require additional development, including obtaining medical opinions regarding their etiology.