Hearing loss decisions — 2013

The Veteran's appeal for an increased rating for bilateral hearing loss has been withdrawn, resulting in the dismissal of the appeal.

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

The Veteran's claim for bilateral hearing loss is being remanded due to the need for further development. The other claims are currently in a state of pending status.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's right ear hearing loss disability is service-connected. The claim of entitlement to an initial compensable rating for left ear hearing loss will now be adjudicated based on its merits.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's left ear hearing loss disability had its onset during active duty and is related to noise exposure, thus granting service connection.

The Board has remanded the claims for service connection and increased rating due to procedural issues, with no specific decision on the merits.

The Board has remanded the Veteran's claims for additional development due to the need for a VA examination and review of the claims file.

The Veteran's initial claim for an increased rating for bilateral hearing loss was denied as his current disability level did not meet the criteria for a compensable evaluation.

The Board has remanded the Veteran's appeal due to incomplete service verification. The claims for hearing loss, diabetes mellitus, and eye disorder will be reconsidered based on the new information.

The Board has remanded the case for further development, including a VA examination and opinion regarding the Veteran's bilateral hearing loss.

The Veteran's bilateral sensorineural hearing loss was not incurred or aggravated by service, as there is no evidence of in-service noise exposure or injury that could have caused the condition. The Board finds the VA examiner's opinion highly probative and concludes that the Veteran's hearing loss is more likely due to post-service factors.

The Board has found that the Veteran's tinnitus is likely due to noise exposure during service, and thus granted service connection for this condition.

The Board denied service connection for bilateral hearing loss and arthralgia of the back and right wrist/elbow, including as due to an undiagnosed illness. The Veteran's current conditions are not related to his military service.

The Veteran's claim for an increased initial rating for bilateral hearing loss is being remanded due to the need for clarification of private audiological examination reports and further development of the record.

The Veteran's initial evaluation for bilateral hearing loss remains at 10 percent, as his auditory acuity levels do not meet the criteria for a higher rating.

The Board has denied the Veteran's claim for service connection for bilateral hearing loss, finding that there is no current disability and that the evidence does not support a grant of service connection.

The Veteran's bilateral hearing loss disability has been evaluated as noncompensable throughout the appeal period. The VA and private audiological examinations have consistently shown that the Veteran's hearing acuity does not meet the criteria for a compensable evaluation.

The Veteran's death was not service-connected, and the criteria for dependency and indemnity compensation under 38 U.S.C.A. § 1318 are not met.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's bilateral hearing loss disability is related to his military service, and therefore grants service connection for this condition.

The Board found no clear and convincing evidence linking the Veteran's hearing loss disability and tinnitus to service, including his combat experience in Vietnam. The VA examinations did not support a connection.