Hearing loss decisions — 2013

The Board denied service connection for the cause of the Veteran's death, finding that neither a disability shown in service nor a service-connected disability caused or contributed to his demise.

The Veteran's claims for increased ratings for service-connected hearing loss, perforated left TM, and otitis media were denied as there was no evidence of a material change in the severity of these conditions since their last evaluations.

The Board has ordered additional development to determine if the Veteran's current hearing loss and tinnitus are related to his period of service. The case will be remanded for further review by a VA examiner.

The Veteran's initial claim for a compensable rating for bilateral hearing loss was denied by the Board, as his current level of hearing impairment does not meet the criteria for any higher evaluation under the applicable VA Rating Schedule.

The Veteran's claims for service connection for bilateral hearing loss, tinnitus, and hypertension due to Agent Orange exposure are denied. The claim for malaria is also denied.,The Veteran's PTSD disability rating remains at 50 percent, but he is not entitled to a higher evaluation. His malaria condition does not warrant an initial compensable evaluation.,Regarding TDIU, the Board finds that there is no evidence of unemployability due to service-connected disabilities.

The Veteran's service-connected bilateral hearing loss has been evaluated as noncompensable due to the current audiometric findings not meeting criteria for a compensable rating.

The Board has determined that the reduction of the Veteran's disability rating for bilateral hearing loss from 10 percent to 0 percent, effective March 25, 2010, was proper.

The Veteran's bilateral hearing loss was not incurred or aggravated in service and may not be presumed to have been incurred in service. The Board found that the preponderance of evidence is against his claim for service connection.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's currently shown bilateral hearing loss and tinnitus did not initially manifest during service or for many years thereafter, and no medical nexus linking acoustic trauma during service to these conditions was established. As a result, the claim for service connection is denied.

The Board found that the Veteran's sensorineural hearing loss and tinnitus are not related to his service, including any noise exposure during service.

The Veteran's service-connected disabilities render him unemployable, and the Board grants a TDIU.

The Veteran's appeal is being remanded for additional development to obtain VA treatment records, conduct examinations, and provide an adequate opinion regarding the etiology of his hearing loss and eye conditions.

The Board found that the Veteran's pre-existing bilateral hearing loss and tinnitus did not worsen during service, and thus denied claims for service connection.

The Board has determined that additional development is needed to adjudicate the Veteran's claims for service connection for hearing loss and tinnitus. The case is REMANDED for a VA audiological examination, medical records review, and an opinion regarding whether the Veteran's current hearing loss and tinnitus are related to his military service.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's bilateral hearing loss and tinnitus are related to his military service, granting his claims for these conditions.

The Board has reopened the Veteran's claims of service connection for bilateral hearing loss and tinnitus, but has not yet determined whether these claims are ultimately granted as the evidence is still being evaluated.

The Board has denied the Veteran's claims for service connection for bilateral hearing loss and tinnitus, finding no evidence of a current disability related to military service.

The Veteran's left ear hearing loss is service connected. The Board finds that a VA examination is needed to determine the nature and etiology of his right ear hearing loss and tinnitus.

The Board has remanded the case for further development due to an inadequate medical opinion regarding the Veteran's hearing loss and tinnitus. The Veteran is seeking service connection for these conditions on an accrued benefits basis.

The Veteran's claims for service connection for hearing loss, tinnitus, and a left foot disorder were denied. The claim for TDIU was dismissed as the Veteran does not have any service-connected disabilities.