Hearing loss decisions — 2012

The Veteran's left ear hearing loss disability is found to be incurred in service, with the Board resolving doubt in his favor.

The Board has determined that the evidence is in equipoise as to whether the appellant's current left ear hearing loss is causally related to noise exposure during his active service. As such, the appellant's claim for service connection for left ear hearing loss is granted.

The Veteran's initial compensable disability rating for service-connected bilateral hearing loss is being remanded due to the need for an adequate VA examination and clarification of certain medical records.

The Veteran's appeal is being remanded for scheduling a Board hearing at the local RO in Montgomery, Alabama.

The Veteran's appeal is being remanded for a Travel Board hearing. The case will be returned to the Board after the hearing.

The Veteran's appeal has been withdrawn, and the case is dismissed.

The Veteran's claims for service connection were denied. The Board found that the evidence did not support a finding of a nexus between any claimed conditions and active service, including exposure to ionizing radiation.

The Veteran's service connection claims for PTSD, bilateral hearing loss, and low back disability have been granted. The Board finds that the Veteran has a confirmed diagnosis of PTSD related to his combat service in Vietnam, and there is medical evidence linking his current symptoms to this stressor event. For his bilateral hearing loss, the Board finds conflicting opinions but leans towards finding it likely related to noise exposure during service. For low back disability, additional records are needed as the Veteran's post-service treatment history is unclear.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's bilateral hearing loss and tinnitus did not have their clinical onset in active service, and neither may they be presumed to have been incurred therein. The Board also found no causal connection between the Veteran's asbestosis and his active service.

The Board has dismissed the Veteran's appeals of his claims for service connection for erectile dysfunction and a respiratory disorder, including COPD due to withdrawal by the Veteran prior to decision.

The appellant's service-connected disabilities do not meet the criteria for a certificate of eligibility for assistance in acquiring an automobile and adaptive equipment or for adaptive equipment only due to his already service-connected conditions.

The Veteran's claim for an increased initial rating for bilateral hearing loss was denied as his disability did not warrant a higher evaluation from March 26, 2010, through May 26, 2010, and in excess of a noncompensable rating at any point from May 27, 2010 forward.

The Board denied service connection for various conditions, including right hip disability, left shoulder disorder, bilateral hearing loss, stomach disorder, and others. The decision also addressed the Veteran's employment status.

The Veteran's initial ratings for bilateral hearing loss prior to June 14, 2011 and from June 14, 2011 were denied as the evidence did not meet the criteria for an evaluation in excess of 40 percent and 50 percent respectively.

The Board has remanded the case for additional development, including a VA examination to determine the current nature and severity of the Veteran's service-connected bilateral hearing loss.

The Veteran's appeal is being remanded due to the inextricability of issues and the need for a new VA examination.

The Board has determined that a remand is necessary to obtain additional medical opinions and for further development of the Veteran's claims.

The Board has determined that the Veteran does not have right ear hearing loss as defined by VA regulations, and therefore, service connection for this condition is denied.

The Veteran's appeal has been withdrawn with respect to the issues of entitlement to a rating in excess of 20 percent for diabetes mellitus, entitlement to a compensable rating for cataracts, entitlement to a compensable rating for erectile dysfunction and entitlement to an effective date earlier than June 7, 2004 for service connection for diabetes.