Hearing loss decisions — 2010

The Board has determined that there is insufficient evidence to make a decision on the Veteran's claim of entitlement to service connection for bilateral hearing loss. The case is being remanded for further development, including obtaining missing service treatment records and scheduling the Veteran for an appropriate VA examination.

The Veteran's initial noncompensable rating for bilateral hearing loss remains unchanged, as his audiometric results correspond to a level II in both ears.

The Veteran's appeal is being remanded for further development of his claims, including obtaining updated VA treatment records and a contemporaneous medical examination to assess the current severity of his bilateral pes planus. Additionally, a VA audiological evaluation will be needed to determine if he has hearing loss disability related to service.

The Veteran's claims for PTSD, tinnitus, and hearing loss were denied as there is no medical evidence of a current disability or a nexus to service.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's hearing loss of the right ear and tinnitus are not service-connected as they do not meet the criteria for presumptive service connection due to exposure to noise during active duty.

The Veteran's claims for service connection for right ankle fracture, right knee disability, and bilateral hearing loss were denied. The Board found that the evidence did not support a finding of current disabilities or continuity of symptoms related to service.

The Board found that the Veteran's bilateral hearing loss and hypertension were not incurred in or aggravated by his active duty service, nor may they be presumed to have been incurred therein. The claims for service connection are therefore denied.

The Veteran's claims for service connection for bilateral hearing loss and tinnitus are being remanded due to the need for additional medical opinions considering new evidence.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's bilateral hearing loss does not warrant an increased rating, as his average pure tone thresholds do not meet the criteria for a higher disability rating.

The Board found that the Veteran did not have a current diagnosis of PTSD and denied his claim for service connection. The issue of bilateral hearing loss is remanded due to new evidence indicating potential worsening.

The Board finds that the evidence is in relative equipoise as to whether the Veteran's Meniere's disease and bilateral hearing loss are related to service exposure, specifically acoustic trauma during active duty. Service connection for these conditions is granted.

The Veteran's age-related macular degeneration was not incurred in service.,Bilateral hearing loss was incurred in active service and is currently present. Service connection for tinnitus, as secondary to the bilateral hearing loss, has been granted.

The Board found no evidence of current hearing loss or tinnitus, and the appellant's claims for service connection were denied as there was insufficient evidence linking his claimed conditions to his active duty for training.

The Board has remanded the case for additional development, including obtaining a VA examination to assess the Veteran's hearing loss and tinnitus, as well as his back disorder. The issues of service connection for bilateral hearing loss, tinnitus, and degenerative joint disease of the spine are now before the Board.

The Board has remanded the case for additional development, including obtaining an addendum opinion regarding bilateral hearing loss and a VA examination for a heart disorder.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's bilateral hearing loss and tinnitus are shown to have developed as a result of acoustic trauma during active service, warranting service connection.

The Board has remanded the case for further development, including obtaining a clarifying medical opinion regarding the nature and etiology of the Veteran's bilateral hearing loss and tinnitus.

The Board has remanded the Veteran's claims for service connection due to insufficient evidence and need for further development, including obtaining medical records and providing VA examinations.

The Veteran's Dupuytren's contracture of the right hand was found to be incurred in service and granted service connection.

The Veteran's claims for bilateral hearing loss disability and right knee disability were denied as there is no evidence of a current disability during the pendency of his claim.