Hearing loss decisions — 2010

The Board has remanded the case due to a need for further development, including obtaining VA examination and records related to the Veteran's bilateral hearing loss.

The Veteran's claim for initial ratings for bilateral hearing loss prior to April 17, 2009 and thereafter has been denied as the evidence does not meet the criteria for a compensable rating.

The Veteran's bilateral hearing loss is currently rated as noncompensable, and the Board finds no evidence to support a higher rating throughout the appeal period.

The Veteran's bilateral hearing loss is found to be causally related to service, and the Board grants service connection for this condition.

The Board found that the Veteran's hearing loss and tinnitus did not have a direct relationship to his military service, as there was no evidence of such during or immediately after service. The hearing loss is first shown more than 50 years after service, and the tinnitus began in 2001.

The Veteran's claim for an increased evaluation for his service-connected bilateral hearing loss is being remanded due to the need for a comprehensive VA examination.

The Veteran's appeal is being remanded for further development due to insufficient evidence and the need for a VA audiological examination.

The Veteran's claims for service connection were granted, with an initial rating of 10% for prostate cancer effective February 8, 2007. The claim for higher ratings for erectile dysfunction was denied.

The Veteran's claim for service connection of bilateral hearing loss is being remanded to allow the VA to review his entire military personnel record and determine the reason for a discrepancy in his DD214 submissions.

The Veteran's claims for service connection for bilateral hearing loss and tinnitus were denied as there was no competent evidence linking these conditions to her military service.

The Board has remanded the case for further development due to a need for another VA medical examination.

The Veteran's claim for service connection for hearing loss is being remanded due to the need for additional medical examination and clarification of his military service.

The Board has determined that the Veteran does not meet the regulatory criteria for a bilateral hearing loss disability and denied service connection for his low back disability. The claim to reopen the knee condition was found to have new and material evidence, but no decision on this issue is provided.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's currently diagnosed bilateral hearing loss is not related to his military service and cannot be presumed to have been incurred therein. As such, the claim for service connection for bilateral hearing loss is denied.

The appellant's claim of entitlement to a compensable rating for his service-connected bilateral hearing loss is being remanded due to the need for an updated VA examination and consideration of additional medical records.

The Board denied the Veteran's claims for service connection for a right ankle condition and an initial compensable disability rating for bilateral hearing loss, finding no evidence of a nexus between his current conditions and his military service.

The Board finds that the Veteran's bilateral hearing loss and tinnitus are related to his military service, resolving all reasonable doubt in his favor.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's tinnitus had its onset in service and is therefore granted as a result of service connection.

The Board has determined that there is no evidence to support the Veteran's claims for service connection for bilateral hearing loss and tinnitus, as both conditions are not related to his military service.

The Veteran's service-connected disabilities, including bilateral hearing loss, PTSD, prostatitis, and tinnitus, have rendered him unable to secure or follow a substantially gainful occupation. The Board has determined that the criteria for a TDIU rating are met.