Hearing loss decisions — 2011

The Board denied service connection for PTSD, the residuals of hepatitis C, bilateral hearing loss, and tinnitus in an October 15, 2008 decision. The appellant's motion alleging clear and unmistakable error (CUE) was denied.

The Board denied service connection for left ear hearing loss, right ear hearing loss, and tinnitus. The Veteran's pre-existing conditions were not aggravated by military service, and there was no evidence of in-service onset or aggravation.

The Board finds that the Veteran's bilateral hearing loss and tinnitus are related to his active service, with a grant of service connection for both conditions.

The Veteran's bilateral hearing loss has been evaluated as noncompensable, and the Board finds that his current hearing acuity does not warrant a compensable rating.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's current bilateral hearing loss and tinnitus are related to military service, including exposure to noise during combat in Vietnam.

The Veteran's tinnitus is the result of military noise exposure and service connection for this condition has been granted.

The Board has remanded the case due to insufficient evidence regarding the etiology of the Veteran's hearing loss and tinnitus, which are claimed as a result of exposure to acoustic trauma during service.

The Board has determined that new and material evidence has been presented to reopen the claim of service connection for right ear hearing loss. The Veteran's current right ear hearing loss disability is considered to be incurred in service due to an inner ear infection.

The Veteran's claims for service connection for bilateral hearing loss and gum disease were denied as there is no evidence of a current disability in either condition.

The Veteran's appeal is being remanded due to the need for a VA audiological evaluation to determine if his current hearing loss and tinnitus are related to his service, including as due to exposure to noise trauma therein.

The Board has decided to remand the Veteran's claims for service connection for hearing loss and tinnitus due to potential issues with audiometric testing records, as well as a need for an appropriate VA examination. The Veteran is presumed to have been in sound condition upon entry into service, but his current diagnoses of hearing loss and tinnitus may be related to his period of active duty.

The Board has determined that the appellant's bilateral hearing loss and tinnitus are related to his military service, specifically noise exposure during his National Guard service.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's right ear hearing loss is related to noise exposure during active duty service and grants service connection for this condition. The left ear hearing loss is not shown at any time during the appeal period.

The Veteran's appeal is being remanded due to his request for a Board hearing at the RO. The case will be returned to the Board after the hearing.

The Veteran's appeals for increased evaluations of his service-connected right elbow disorder, left elbow disorder, right thumb disorder, lumbar strain, diverticulitis, and hypertension have been withdrawn. The Veteran is now assigned a noncompensable initial evaluation for each condition.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's current hearing loss and tinnitus are not related to his service, including any in-service noise exposure. The preponderance of evidence does not support a finding of service connection for these conditions.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's bilateral hearing loss is related to his military service, and thus grants service connection for this condition.

The Board has reopened the claim of service connection for bilateral hearing loss due to new and material evidence submitted by the Veteran. The Board found that the Veteran's right ear hearing loss preexisted service but was not aggravated, while his left ear hearing loss is related to active service.

The Veteran is seeking service connection for bilateral hearing loss and tinnitus, which he claims are related to his military service. The VA has requested additional medical opinions and the opportunity for the Veteran to provide any relevant treatment records.

The Board has granted service connection for bilateral hearing loss, finding that the Veteran's current diagnosis of hearing loss is related to his military service. The other claims have been withdrawn by the Veteran.