Hearing loss decisions — 2012

The Veteran's representative withdrew the appeal regarding a compensable rating for bilateral hearing loss, leading to the dismissal of this case.

The Board has determined that additional development is needed to determine the etiology of the Veteran's bilateral hearing loss and tinnitus, as the previous VA examinations did not consider all relevant evidence in the claims file.

The Board has granted service connection for bilateral hearing loss and a skin disorder, finding that the conditions are related to the appellant's military service.

The Veteran's claims for service connection for left ear hearing loss and tinnitus were granted with an effective date of May 29, 1997. The Board found that the additional evidence received after the initial denial supported these claims.

The VA determined that there is no evidence to support a finding of a current bilateral hearing loss disability related to the appellant's military service.

The Board denied the Veteran's claims for service connection for bilateral hearing loss and tinnitus, finding that there was no evidence of a current disability or a link to service.

The Board has determined that additional development is needed to properly address the Veteran's claims, including obtaining service personnel records and VA treatment records. Additionally, a VA examination is required for each of his claimed disabilities.

The Board finds that the Veteran's current bilateral hearing loss disability is likely due to noise exposure during service, including in connection with his combat service in Vietnam. Therefore, the claim for service connection is granted.

The Board has determined that further development is needed to locate the Veteran's service treatment records and obtain any relevant VA clinical records. The case will be remanded for these actions.

The Veteran's service records do not show any complaints or findings of hearing loss in the right ear during service. Post-service audiometric testing has revealed no worse than normal hearing, and there is no evidence of a current disability related to noise exposure from service.

The Board denied the Veteran's claims for service connection of various conditions, including foot problems, back pain, hearing loss, and a psychiatric disorder. The evidence submitted did not provide new and material information to reopen any of these claims.

The Veteran's bilateral hearing loss is related to in-service combat-related acoustic trauma and the claim for service connection is granted.

The Veteran's hearing loss in his right ear is found to be causally related to his military service, and the Board grants service connection for this condition.

The Board has granted service connection for bilateral hearing loss. The Veteran's current heart disorder, including atrial fibrillation, congestive heart failure, and coronary artery disease, is considered a direct result of his military service. Service connection was also established for the residuals of stroke and concussion.

The Veteran's bilateral hearing loss disability has been rated at 10 percent since September 10, 2009. The Board found that the evidence did not support a higher evaluation.

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

The Board found that the Veteran's Meniere's disease, diplopia, and bilateral hearing loss are not related to his military service or any incident therein. The residuals of a traumatic brain injury were also denied as there was no evidence linking it to an in-service head injury.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's current residuals of trauma to the right long (middle) finger is related to his military service and grants this claim. The issues of service connection for bilateral ear disorder, including hearing loss, and tinnitus are remanded due to the need for additional development.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's current bilateral hearing loss and tinnitus are related to his service, specifically exposure to excessive noise during combat operations. Service connection is granted for both conditions.

The Veteran's claims for higher evaluations for bilateral hearing loss and PTSD with secondary depression have been denied. The Veteran is not entitled to a TDIU based on his service-connected disabilities.