Hearing loss decisions — 2012

The Veteran does not have left ear hearing loss that is attributable to his active military service.

The Board found that the Veteran does not have a current hearing loss disability for VA compensation purposes and denied her claim for service connection. For diverticulitis, the Board determined there was no in-service diagnosis or treatment of the condition, and thus denied service connection based on direct evidence.

The Veteran's service-connected left ear hearing loss disability is rated as noncompensable, with the most favorable audiometric results indicating a pure tone threshold of 35 decibels at 4000 Hz in the left ear.

The Board has determined that the Veteran does not have a current bilateral hearing loss disability for VA compensation purposes and therefore, service connection is denied.

The Board finds that the Veteran's bilateral hearing loss disability and tinnitus are at least as likely as not related to his active service, including exposure to noise during basic training. Service connection is granted for these conditions.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's service connection claims for bilateral hearing loss and tinnitus are granted as they meet the criteria for direct service connection due to in-service noise exposure.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's right ear hearing loss and tinnitus are not related to his military service, including exposure to high-speed drills in dental work. The evidence does not support a finding of organic disease or chronicity.

The Veteran's appeal for an increased evaluation for bilateral hearing loss disability has been withdrawn, resulting in the dismissal of the claim.

The Board has determined that a hearing should be scheduled for the Veteran and additional VA outpatient records are needed before the claims can be fully adjudicated.

The Veteran's appeal is remanded for further development of his bilateral hearing loss claim, including obtaining updated VA treatment records and an examination to assess the current severity of this disability. Additionally, a medical opinion regarding the effect of his service-connected disabilities on his employability will be obtained.

The Veteran's appeal is being remanded to the RO for scheduling a Travel Board hearing. The issues are about service connection for bilateral hearing loss and an increased rating for PTSD.

The Veteran's appeal is being remanded for further development, including a VA audiological examination to determine if his hearing loss and tinnitus are related to service.

The Veteran's appeal is remanded for further development, including scheduling a VA audiology examination and obtaining treatment records. The issue of entitlement to an initial compensable evaluation for service-connected bilateral hearing loss will be reconsidered.

The Veteran's current bilateral hearing loss and tinnitus are found to be etiologically related to exposure to acoustic trauma during active duty, meeting the criteria for service connection.

The Veteran's initial noncompensable rating for bilateral hearing loss is denied as his current level of hearing acuity does not warrant a higher evaluation.

The Board is remanding the case to confirm the appellant's duty status during his service in August 1955 and to review the claims file for any additional evidence that may be relevant.

The Board finds that the appellant's bilateral hearing loss is as likely as not attributable to his qualifying oceangoing service, and grants service connection for this condition.

The Board denied the Veteran's claims for service connection for bilateral hearing loss and skin cancer, and granted service connection for PTSD with a rating of 30 percent. The claim for increased rating for PTSD was withdrawn by the Veteran.

The Board has determined that new and material evidence has been submitted to reopen the Veteran's claims for service connection for bilateral hearing loss and tinnitus. The Board finds that these conditions are related to his active duty service, warranting their grant.

The Board has granted service connection for left talonavicular arthritis and bilateral hearing loss, finding that these conditions had their onset during active service. The Veteran's claims are otherwise denied.