Hearing loss decisions — 2011

The Veteran's claim for service connection for bilateral hearing loss, an acquired psychiatric disorder (to include PTSD), and type II diabetes mellitus was denied. The Board found that there is no evidence of a current disability meeting the criteria for a hearing loss disability under VA regulations.

The Board found no evidence of current right ear hearing loss for VA compensation purposes and denied service connection.,VA medical opinion concluded that the Veteran's neck injury is not related to his military service, and thus service connection was denied.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's current right ear hearing loss and tinnitus are related to service, including an incident during diving qualifications. The claim for service connection is granted.

The Board found no evidence of a nexus between the Veteran's current hearing loss and tinnitus and his military service, including acoustic trauma. The VA audiologist opined that the disabilities were not caused by or related to his military service.

The Veteran's claim for a higher rating for bilateral hearing loss was denied as his disability level did not meet the criteria for a compensable evaluation.

The Board has determined that the appellant's COPD, bilateral hearing loss, idiopathic peripheral neuropathy, and lung cancer are presumed to have been incurred due to exposure to chemical toxins and nuclear radiation during service.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's current bilateral hearing loss and chronic tinnitus are likely due to noise exposure during his military service, and thus grants service connection for these conditions.

The Veteran's claim for a total disability rating based on individual unemployability (TDIU) is being remanded due to the need for further development, including an examination and consideration of additional service-connected disabilities.

The Veteran's claim for a compensable disability rating for bilateral hearing loss was denied as his current hearing loss does not meet the criteria for any higher rating based on VA examination and audiometric testing.

The Veteran's claims for bilateral hearing loss and tinnitus are being remanded due to outstanding medical records and the need for a VA examination.

The Veteran's bilateral hearing loss disability is currently rated as noncompensable, and the Board finds that it does not meet the criteria for a compensable rating based on his current level of impairment.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's bilateral hearing loss and tinnitus are attributable to service, specifically his Reserve duty. As a result, both conditions have been granted service connection.

The Board found that the Veteran's current bilateral hearing loss is not related to his military service, as evidenced by normal audiometric findings at separation and no evidence of noise exposure during service. The medical opinions were against a link between the Veteran's hearing loss and his military service.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's bilateral hearing loss and hepatitis disorder are not service-connected, with the primary finding being that his preexisting hearing loss did not worsen during service.

The Board has granted the Veteran's claim of service connection for tinnitus. The issues of entitlement to service connection for left and right ear hearing loss disability are addressed in the REMAND portion of this decision.

The Board denied the Veteran's claims of service connection for a bilateral knee disability, right shoulder disability, and left foot disability. The issues of initial compensable evaluations for left ear hearing loss and right shoulder disability were addressed but not decided.

The Veteran's appeal has been dismissed due to his death. The Board cannot proceed with the merits of this claim as he is no longer alive.

The Veteran's claim for a higher rating for his bilateral hearing loss is being remanded due to the need for further development, including scheduling another VA compensation examination.

The Veteran is seeking an initial compensable evaluation for his service-connected bilateral hearing loss. The case is REMANDED to obtain a new VA examination and review of the claims file.

The Board found no evidence of a current neck condition, bilateral hearing loss, or tinnitus related to service.,VA determined that the Veteran's claims for these conditions were not supported by competent and credible evidence.