Hearing loss decisions — 2010

The Veteran's appeal for an increased rating for tinnitus was withdrawn. His claim to reopen his bilateral hearing loss was reopened, but the claim remains denied.

The Veteran's claim for service connection for bilateral hearing loss is being remanded due to the need for an updated VA examination.

The Veteran's claims for bilateral hearing loss, tinnitus, hypertension, and left ankle disability have all been denied as there is no evidence of a current disability or a link to service.

The Board has ordered the case back to the RO for additional development, including obtaining records from the Veteran's Army Reserve service and any SSA disability benefits records.

The Board has remanded the case for further action due to the Veteran's failure to report for a scheduled hearing.

The Veteran's bilateral hearing loss is granted service connection as it was caused by noise exposure during his active duty. However, there is no evidence linking the tinnitus to service.

The Board has remanded the case due to missing service medical records and a need for another VA audiology examination.

The Veteran's pending claim for an increased rating for bilateral hearing loss was denied, as the evidence did not show he was entitled to a compensable rating at the time of his death.

The Board has remanded the case for additional development, including a VA examination to determine the nature and etiology of any hearing loss, tinnitus, and stomach disability. The issues include service connection for these conditions on a direct basis.

The Veteran's claim for an initial compensable evaluation for residuals of a crush injury of the distal phalanx, left long finger was granted. Service connection for PTSD and bilateral hearing loss were denied, but service connection for tinnitus was granted.

The Veteran's claims for increased ratings and reopening of a hearing loss claim are remanded due to the need for updated examinations.

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

The Board has determined that the Veteran's currently shown bilateral hearing loss had its inception during his period of active service, and thus grants service connection for this condition.

The Board has determined that the Veteran does not have a current hearing loss disability for VA purposes and his tinnitus is less likely than not related to service. Therefore, both claims are denied.

The Veteran's appeal is being remanded for a Board hearing in St. Petersburg, Florida.

The Veteran's initial higher rating for bilateral hearing loss was granted effective September 10, 2009. Prior to that date, he did not meet the criteria for a compensable rating.

The Veteran's claims for service connection for bilateral hearing loss and tinnitus are being remanded due to the need for a VA examination to determine if these conditions are related to his military service.

The Veteran's current bilateral hearing loss was not incurred in or aggravated by his active service. The Board found that the evidence did not support a finding of service connection.

The Veteran's appeal was denied as his service-connected conditions did not warrant a higher rating under the applicable criteria.

The Board found that the Veteran's lumbar strain does not warrant a higher than 20 percent disability rating. The Veteran was denied entitlement to TDIU due to lack of meeting schedular criteria for consideration under 38 C.F.R. § 4.16(a).