Hearing loss decisions — 2012

The Veteran's claims for service connection for bilateral hearing loss and tinnitus are being remanded due to the need for a VA audiological examination.

The Veteran's claim for a compensable disability evaluation for his service-connected bilateral hearing loss is being remanded due to the need for a more recent VA audiometric examination.

The Veteran's claim for service connection for ear pain, which is claimed as secondary to his service-connected bilateral hearing loss, has been remanded due to the need for additional development including a VA examination and obtaining medical records.

The Board has granted service connection for right ear hearing loss disability and dismissed the appeal regarding an initial compensable rating for left ear hearing loss disability.

The Board has determined that additional development is needed to determine the Veteran's hearing loss and tinnitus claims, including obtaining medical records from his service period in Germany.

The Veteran's claim for an initial compensable rating for bilateral hearing loss is being remanded due to the need for a new VA audiological examination and consideration of outstanding VA medical records.

The Board has determined that additional development is needed to determine the nature and etiology of the Veteran's hearing loss, specifically whether it is due to periods of active duty for training (ACDUTRA) or civilian employment. The case is being remanded for further action.

The Board has granted the Veteran's claims for service connection for bilateral hearing loss disability and tinnitus, finding that new and material evidence was presented to reopen these previously denied claims. The Veteran is now entitled to service connection for both conditions.

The Board has remanded the case due to a need for clarification on whether the Veteran wishes an in-person or videoconference hearing regarding his claim of service connection for vertigo, including as secondary to bilateral hearing loss.

The Board finds that the Veteran's current bilateral hearing loss and tinnitus are likely due to his exposure to noise during service, including while serving in Vietnam. Service connection is granted for these conditions.

The Board found no evidence of a nexus between the Veteran's in-service noise exposure and his current bilateral hearing loss disability, thus denying service connection.

The Board has remanded the case due to the need for additional medical records and examination, particularly regarding peripheral neuropathy of the feet.

The Veteran's claims for hearing loss, tinnitus, PTSD increased rating, and TDIU are being remanded due to the need for additional development.

The Board has granted service connection for bilateral hearing loss and tinnitus, finding that the Veteran's current disabilities are related to in-service acoustic trauma.

The Board has granted service connection for bilateral hearing loss and tinnitus, finding that the Veteran's current conditions are related to his military service due to exposure to loud noise during active duty training.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's bilateral hearing loss and tinnitus are etiologically related to his active service, resolving reasonable doubt in favor of the Veteran.

The Board has denied the Veteran's claims for service connection for bilateral hearing loss disability and tinnitus, finding that there is no evidence of in-service noise exposure or a diagnosis within one year of separation from active service. The VA examiner opined that the current disabilities are less likely related to service.

The Veteran's left ear hearing loss is rated as noncompensable (0 percent) throughout the appeal period, with no evidence of worsening or additional symptoms that would warrant a higher rating.

The Board found that the Veteran's hearing loss and tinnitus did not manifest during service, were not shown to have developed as a result of an established event, injury, or disease during active service, and thus denied service connection for these conditions.

The Veteran's claim for service connection for an acquired psychiatric disorder (claimed as PTSD) has been granted. The issue of whether new and material evidence was received to reopen the claim for bilateral hearing loss is considered reopened, but no rating or effective date has been assigned.