Hearing loss decisions — 2013

The Board found that the Veteran's currently-diagnosed bilateral hearing loss was not shown in service or for many years thereafter, and is not related to his in-service acoustic trauma or to any other aspect of his active service.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's bilateral hearing loss and tinnitus are related to his in-service noise exposure, granting service connection for both conditions.

The Board has remanded the case for additional development, including obtaining medical records and scheduling VA examinations.

The Veteran's claims are being remanded due to the need for verification of his National Guard service and additional records from Fort Polk, Louisiana.

The Veteran's service-connected bilateral hearing loss, traumatic perforation of the left eardrum, and SFW of the left arm have not resulted in a higher disability rating under applicable VA regulations.

The Board found that the reduction of the Veteran's disability evaluation for bilateral hearing loss from 40 percent to noncompensable was proper based on the evidence provided.

The Veteran's appeal is remanded due to the need for a VA examination and clarification of his private audiologist report. The Veteran needs an updated VA audiological evaluation, and any relevant medical records should be obtained.

The Veteran's bilateral hearing loss disability is rated as noncompensable, and his moderate L5-S1 spondylosis with L5-S1 spondylolisthesis disability was not found to warrant an initial rating in excess of 10 percent.

The Veteran's appeal is being remanded due to his request for a hearing before the Board. No new evaluations or ratings are decided upon in this decision.

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

The Board finds that the Veteran's current bilateral hearing loss is related to his military noise exposure, and grants service connection for this condition.

The Veteran's appeal is being remanded to the RO for scheduling a new Travel Board hearing at the Philadelphia VA Regional Office.

The Veteran is rendered unable to obtain or maintain substantially gainful employment as a result of his service-connected hearing loss and tinnitus, and the Board finds that the criteria for a TDIU are met.

The Veteran's right ear hearing loss and left eye pterygium surgery residuals were denied. The Veteran withdrew his appeal for a higher initial disability rating for left eye pterygium surgery.

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

The Board found that the Veteran's current bilateral hearing loss is at least as likely as not caused by his service, specifically a period of active duty for training where he experienced ear pain and bleeding following gunfire. The Board granted service connection based on direct service connection.

The Veteran's bilateral hearing loss disability is currently rated at 10 percent, the minimum rating available under VA guidelines. The evidence does not support a higher evaluation.

The Veteran's claim for an initial compensable evaluation for service-connected bilateral hearing loss has been denied as his puretone thresholds do not meet the criteria for a compensable rating.

The Board found that the Veteran's bilateral hearing loss did not manifest during or as a result of active service and is less likely related to military noise exposure. The preponderance of evidence does not support service connection for bilateral hearing loss.

The Board found no evidence of a hearing loss disability in service and denied the claim as there was not sufficient evidence to establish service connection for bilateral hearing loss.