Hearing loss decisions — 2011

The Board has determined that the Veteran's current cervical spine disability is related to an incident in service, and granted service connection for this condition. The bilateral hearing loss claim was denied as there is no evidence of a current disability or in-service incurrence.

The Veteran's service-connected bilateral hearing loss has been manifested by Level I hearing loss in both ears throughout the initial evaluation period, and therefore does not meet the criteria for a compensable rating.

The Veteran's claim for a rating in excess of 10 percent for bilateral hearing loss since October 25, 2006, is denied. The claim for a compensable rating prior to that date is also denied.

The Board found that the Veteran's current hearing loss disability is not related to his active service, including exposure to acoustic trauma during combat in Vietnam.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's service-connected bilateral hearing loss does not warrant a compensable evaluation, and thus denied his claim for an increased rating.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's current bilateral hearing loss disability is not related to his military service, and thus denied his claim for service connection.

The Board found that the Veteran's current hearing loss and tinnitus are not related to his military service, as there is no evidence of in-service acoustic trauma or continuity of symptoms since service. The claims for service connection were denied.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's tinnitus and bilateral hearing loss are related to his military service, with the tinnitus being less likely due to in-service noise exposure but beginning during service. Bilateral hearing loss is not presumed or shown to be related to service.

The Veteran's hearing loss is related to service and the Board has granted service connection for this condition.

The appeal has been dismissed as the appellant withdrew their appeal through their authorized representative.

The Veteran's claims for service connection for bilateral hearing loss and tinnitus were denied. The Board found no current disability of bilateral hearing loss, but granted service connection for tinnitus based on credible reports of military noise exposure.

The Board has determined that additional development is needed in order to properly adjudicate the Veteran's claims for service connection for bilateral hearing loss and tinnitus. The case is REMANDED for a VA audiological examination, review of relevant medical records, and consideration of the issues on appeal.

The Board denied a compensable rating for the Veteran's bilateral hearing loss disability, finding that the evidence did not demonstrate distinct periods of worsening during the appeal period and that the current level of impairment met the criteria for a noncompensable rating.

The Board has denied the Veteran's claims for service connection for tinnitus and bilateral hearing loss, finding that there is no evidence of a nexus between these conditions and his active duty service.

The Veteran's tinnitus is service-connected, and he has CLL presumed due to herbicide exposure in Guam. His other disabilities are not found to be related to his service or service-connected conditions.

The Veteran's service records indicate a chronic prostate disorder, bilateral hearing loss, and recurrent fevers. The Board has determined that the Veteran meets the criteria for service connection in all three instances.

The Veteran's appeal is being remanded to obtain updated VA treatment records and for a comprehensive examination to determine if his service-connected disabilities alone are sufficiently severe to produce unemployability.

The Board finds that the Veteran's right ear hearing loss is at least as likely as not due to noise exposure during his military service, and grants service connection for this condition.

The Veteran does not have a hearing loss disability in either ear for VA benefits purposes, and therefore is not entitled to service connection.

The Veteran's appeal is remanded due to the need for a VA examination and additional treatment records. The issues of service connection for bilateral hearing loss and tinnitus are pending.