Hearing loss decisions — 2012

The Board denied service connection for hearing loss and tinnitus, finding no evidence linking these conditions to the Veteran's military service.

The Veteran's claims for service connection for type 2 diabetes mellitus, grand mal seizures, headaches, dizziness, and bilateral hearing loss were all denied as these conditions are not shown to be related to his military service.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's bilateral hearing loss does not meet or approximate the criteria for a compensable rating under any applicable diagnostic code.

The Board has granted service connection for bilateral hearing loss, finding that the Veteran's pre-existing hearing loss was aggravated by his period of active duty.

The Board found that the Veteran does not have current disabilities for which service connection can be granted, including bilateral hearing loss and tinnitus. The claims were denied as there was no evidence of a current disability meeting VA criteria.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's bilateral hearing loss does not warrant a compensable rating, as his average puretone thresholds do not meet the criteria for any higher evaluation.

The Board found that the Veteran's current bilateral hearing loss is a result of his in-service noise exposure and granted service connection for this condition.

The Veteran's initial noncompensable rating for bilateral hearing loss has been denied as his audiometric test results have not shown a level of impairment warranting a compensable evaluation.

The Veteran's additional bilateral hearing loss disability was caused by an event (presumably the Vancomycin treatment) that was not reasonably foreseeable as a result of VA treatment, and thus compensation under 38 U.S.C.A. § 1151 is granted.

The Veteran's claims for increased disability evaluations for PTSD and bilateral hearing loss, as well as his claim of entitlement to TDIU are being remanded due to the need for further development.

The Board found no evidence of a bilateral hearing loss disability or tinnitus that were incurred in service, and denied the Veteran's claims for service connection.

The Veteran has withdrawn his appeals regarding the reopening of claims for bilateral hearing loss disability and tinnitus. As a result, the cases are dismissed.

The Veteran's appeal for an increased rating for service-connected onychomycosis and dermatophytosis of the bilateral feet has been withdrawn. The claim for initial compensable disability rating for service-connected bilateral hearing loss is denied as his hearing impairment does not meet or approximate the criteria for a compensable evaluation.

The Veteran's appeal is being remanded for additional development, including obtaining an addendum to the May 2005 VA examination and clarifying whether the occupational noise exposure referred to in the examination was his in-service occupation or post-service occupation.

The Board has remanded the case due to a need to obtain an outstanding medical opinion and for further development of the claims.

The Board has reopened the claim of service connection for bilateral hearing loss due to new and material evidence. The Veteran's in-service noise exposure is established, and his current bilateral high frequency sensorineural hearing loss is consistent with acoustic trauma experienced during service. Therefore, the claim is granted.

The Board has determined that a remand is necessary to ensure proper development of the Veteran's claims, including obtaining service treatment records and scheduling appropriate VA examinations.

The Board finds that the Veteran's left ear hearing loss disability is related to his in-service combat noise exposure and grants service connection for this condition.

The Veteran's claim of service connection for bilateral hearing loss, cervical spine disability, lumbar spine disability, and tinnitus secondary to Lyme Disease was denied.

The Veteran's headaches are related to service and the claim for service connection is granted. The claims for left ear hearing loss disability and psychiatric condition are remanded.