Hearing loss decisions — 2010

The Veteran's application for Service-Disabled Veterans Insurance (RH) was denied because he did not file a timely application and, even if he had, he would have been ineligible due to his service-connected disabilities.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's bilateral hearing loss and tinnitus were not incurred in or aggravated by service, as there is no evidence of a current disability within one year after separation from service. The most probative medical evidence does not support a link between the Veteran's current hearing loss and tinnitus and his military service.

The Board finds that it is as likely as not the Veteran's bilateral hearing loss is related to his first period of active service, and grants service connection for bilateral hearing loss.

The Veteran's service-connected disabilities, including bilateral hearing loss, tinnitus, PTSD, and residuals of shell fragment wounds to the back and right leg, as well as osteoarthritis of the right knee, preclude him from obtaining or maintaining substantially gainful employment due to his education and occupational experience. The Board has determined that he meets the criteria for a TDIU.

The Board denied service connection for a neck disorder, nerve damage of the right arm, bilateral hearing loss, and bilateral tinnitus as there is no competent medical evidence showing these conditions are related to service.

The Board found that the Veteran did not have decreased hearing or ringing in the ears during service and that there is no competent evidence of a compensable degree of bilateral hearing loss within one year following discharge. The Board also found that tinnitus was not attributable to service. Therefore, both claims for service connection were denied.

The Board has remanded the case due to inadequate efforts in scheduling a VA examination, and the appellant may be able to appear for one. The appeal is now pending with instructions to schedule an audiological examination.

The Board found that the Veteran's hypertension and hearing loss were not incurred or aggravated by his military service. The VA examiners concluded that there was no medical nexus between the conditions and his active duty, nor did they find any evidence of aggravation of a pre-existing condition.

The Veteran's claim for a compensable rating for bilateral hearing loss from May 16, 2008 was denied as his disability picture is already adequately described by the applicable rating criteria.

The Veteran's claim for service connection for bilateral hearing loss is being remanded due to the need for a VA audiology examination to determine the nature and likely etiology of his claimed condition.

The Veteran's claim for service connection for a chronic headache disorder was denied as there is no competent evidence of a current diagnosis. The claims for bilateral hearing loss, recurrent tinnitus, cardiac arrhythmia, chronic hypertension and coronary artery disease were also denied due to lack of evidence linking these conditions to active duty.

The Veteran's claim for an increased rating for his service-connected bilateral hearing loss is being remanded due to the need for a new VA examination and additional medical records.

The Veteran's claims for increased evaluations for left ear hearing loss and vertigo (claimed as Meniere's disease) were denied. The Board found that the evidence did not support a higher evaluation based on the current level of disability.

The Board has determined that the Veteran does not have a current diagnosis of mercury poisoning, hearing loss, tinnitus, organic brain injury, sinusitis, allergies, or headaches. As such, service connection for these conditions is denied.

The appellant seeks an increased evaluation for his service-connected bilateral hearing loss disability. The Board has determined that a new VA examination is needed to assess the current severity of the condition and remanded the case for this purpose.

The Veteran's appeal is being remanded for further development, including VA examinations to determine the nature and etiology of his skin disorder and bilateral hearing loss.

The Veteran's claim for service connection for flat feet, bilateral hearing loss disability, tinnitus, and bilateral carpal tunnel syndrome was denied. The Board found that there is no evidence of current disabilities or a nexus to service.

The Veteran's service-connected disabilities are as likely as not of such nature and severity as to prevent him from securing or following substantially gainful employment.

The Board has granted service connection for chronic right ear sensorineural hearing loss disability due to noise exposure in service.

The Board has remanded the case due to insufficient evidence to resolve the claim for service connection for bilateral hearing loss and a need for further medical examination.