Hearing loss decisions — 2013

The Veteran's appeal is being remanded to obtain a new VA examination(s) and determine whether the Veteran, based on his work history, level of education, and service-connected disabilities, but not his age or any nonservice-connected disability, is unable to secure or follow a substantially gainful occupation.

The Board has determined that the appellant's current bilateral hearing loss and tinnitus are not related to his service, and thus denied both claims for service connection.

The Veteran's claims for earlier effective dates for the awards of a 100 percent evaluation for bilateral hearing loss, special monthly compensation (SMC) based on loss of use, and Dependents' Educational Assistance (DEA) are being remanded due to incomplete records.

The Board has determined that new and material evidence has been received to reopen the claim of service connection for bilateral hearing loss. The Veteran's in-service noise exposure is found to be a reasonable basis for his current bilateral hearing loss disability.

The Veteran's appeal involves multiple issues including service connection for a hiatal hernia, a higher rating for post-traumatic headaches, and an earlier effective date for the grant of service connection for post-traumatic headaches. The case is being remanded to allow for further development.

The Board has decided to remand the case for further development, including obtaining a new VA examination and obtaining any outstanding treatment records. The Veteran's service-connected bilateral hearing loss and tinnitus are being evaluated in terms of their impact on his ability to secure or follow a substantially gainful occupation.

The Veteran's claim is being remanded due to the need for additional medical evidence and consideration of service connection based on in-service noise exposure.

The Board found that the Veteran's right ear hearing loss is a result of his cholesteatoma, which was caused by acoustic trauma in service. The claim for service connection is granted.

The Board found no evidence of a nexus between the Veteran's current hearing loss and service, nor did it find any credible evidence linking his tinnitus to service. The Veteran's hearing loss was not shown to be due to in-service noise exposure or other service-connected conditions.

The Board has remanded the case due to discrepancies in audiometric test results and a need for clarification on testing methods. The appellant's hearing loss condition remains under review.

The Board has remanded the claims for further development, including obtaining medical records and conducting examinations at an assisted living facility where the Veteran resides. The claims will be reconsidered after this additional development.

The Board has remanded the case for further development due to inadequate examination reports and a need for additional medical opinions.

The Veteran's claims for service connection, an extraschedular evaluation, and TDIU were denied. The Board found that the criteria for an extraschedular rating prior to January 25, 1994 are not met, and that the criteria for a TDIU since April 1, 2002 have not been met.

The Board found no evidence of a nexus between the Veteran's current hearing loss and tinnitus and his military service, including noise exposure. The claims for service connection were denied.

The Board finds that the Veteran's current bilateral hearing loss disability is not related to active military service and thus denied his claim for service connection.

The Veteran's appeal of the initial compensable rating for bilateral hearing loss has been withdrawn, resulting in the dismissal of this issue.

The Board denied the Veteran's claim for service connection for bilateral hearing loss as there was no demonstrated disability for VA purposes.

The Board has remanded the case for further development, including obtaining an updated audiological evaluation and identifying the qualifying period(s) of service on which the appellant's awards of service connection are based.

The Veteran's appeal is being remanded to obtain additional records and provide a new VA examination regarding his employability due to service-connected disabilities.

The Board has remanded the case for additional development due to new evidence submitted by the Veteran and outstanding VA treatment records.