Hearing loss decisions — 2012

The Board has vacated the January 2009 decision and granted service connection for tinnitus, finding that it was incurred in active service. Hearing loss is not service connected as there is no evidence of current hearing loss within VA standards.

The Board found that the Veteran's bilateral hearing loss was not incurred in service and may not be presumed to have had its onset in service. The VA examiner concluded it is less likely than not that the Veteran's current bilateral hearing loss is causally or etiologically related to his military service, including noise exposure.

The Veteran's initial claim for a compensable disability rating for service-connected bilateral hearing loss was denied by the Board. The VA examinations showed Level I hearing acuity in both ears, warranting a noncompensable evaluation.

The Veteran's appeal of the extraschedular rating for his service-connected bilateral hearing loss has been withdrawn by his representative.

The Board finds that the Veteran's current bilateral hearing loss disability is related to his active duty military service, and grants service connection for this condition.

The Board has granted service connection for bilateral hearing loss, tinnitus, and asthma based on the Veteran's credible assertions of in-service noise exposure and symptom onset.,Affording the Veteran the benefit of the doubt, the claims are supported by current diagnoses and a medical opinion linking these conditions to service.

The Veteran's appeal is being remanded due to his failure to appear at a scheduled videoconference hearing. The claims for service connection are being returned to the RO for rescheduling of the hearing.

The Veteran does not have a current disability of bilateral hearing loss or type 2 diabetes mellitus for VA purposes. The Board finds that the Veteran's service did not result in these disabilities, and there is no evidence linking them to his military service.

The Veteran's claim for recoupment of severance pay is denied as the law requires it and VA does not have discretion to grant or deny such a request.

The Veteran was granted service connection for right ear hearing loss, left ear hearing loss, tinnitus, bladder cancer, and a neck disorder. The appeals were all resolved in the Veteran's favor.

The Board denied the Veteran's claims of service connection for COPD, peripheral neuropathy, and bilateral hearing loss. The evidence did not support a current diagnosis or etiology linking these conditions to his active duty service.

The Veteran's cervical spine disability and hearing loss are rated at the lowest possible levels, with no service connection granted for pericarditis.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's current bilateral hearing loss and tinnitus are not related to his military service, as there is no evidence of in-service injury or disease. The claims have been denied.

The Veteran's appeal has been withdrawn as to his right knee disorder, left knee disorder, hearing loss, multiple arthralgias (joint pain), and carpal tunnel syndrome.

The Veteran's timely notice of disagreement in September 2007 initiated an appeal regarding the denial of his claims for service connection for bilateral hearing loss and tinnitus. The Board finds that this NOD was valid, thus granting the appeal.

The Board has determined that a VA examination is needed to determine the relationship between the Veteran's current vertigo and his service-connected hearing loss or anxiety. The case will be returned for further action.

The Veteran's bilateral hearing loss and tinnitus are found to be related to his service, specifically exposure to loud noise from aircraft mechanics work.

The Board has granted service connection for tinnitus, finding that the Veteran's current disability is related to his period of active duty. Service connection for bilateral hearing loss was denied as there is no evidence of a current disability.

The Veteran's service-connected disabilities do not render him unable to secure or follow a substantially gainful occupation, as determined by the VA examination. The case is REMANDED for further evaluation and consideration.

The Board found no evidence of in-service noise exposure causing current bilateral hearing loss, leading to the denial of service connection.