Hearing loss decisions — 2013

The Veteran's claim for service connection for hearing loss was denied as there is no evidence of a nexus between his current hearing loss and his military service.

The Veteran's appeal is remanded due to the need for additional development, including obtaining records from a private audiologist and considering the provisions of 38 C.F.R. § 3.344 when readjudicating whether the rating reduction was proper.

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

The Board has granted an effective date of February 7, 2003 for the award of service connection for tinnitus. The Veteran's claim for hearing loss in 2003 included a claim for tinnitus.

The Veteran's bilateral hearing loss was rated at 10% effective May 26, 2009. Before that date, the disability did not meet the criteria for a compensable rating.

The Board found no evidence linking the Veteran's current hearing loss to his military service, including exposure to noise. The preponderance of evidence is against the claim.

The Board has determined that the Veteran does not have a current bilateral hearing loss disability as defined by VA regulations, and thus cannot establish service connection for this condition.

The Board has determined that the Veteran does not have diabetes, hypertension, an eye disability, bilateral hearing loss, tinnitus, or hepatitis C that is attributable to his period of active service.

The Board has remanded the case for additional development, including obtaining service treatment and personnel records, verifying stressors, and scheduling VA examinations to determine the nature and extent of the Veteran's psychiatric disorders and hearing loss.

The Veteran's appeal includes issues related to increased ratings for bilateral hearing loss, effective dates for service connection of thoracolumbar spine strain and tinnitus, and reopening a claim for cervical spine disorder. The case is being remanded due to the Veteran requesting a Travel Board hearing.

The Board has reopened the Veteran's claim for service connection for bilateral hearing loss, but denied it on the merits. The decision is pending further development and adjudication.

The Board has decided to remand the case for additional development, including obtaining updated medical records and scheduling examinations for the appellant's appendectomy scar, hearing loss, and muscle injury claims.

The Veteran's appeal is being remanded due to incomplete service records and the need for additional medical examination. The issues of entitlement to service connection for bilateral hearing loss and tinnitus are under review.

The Veteran's service-connected disabilities, including sleep apnea and cardiomyopathy, did not render him unable to obtain or maintain substantially gainful employment from October 3, 2007 to September 30, 2010.

The Veteran's appeal for service connection for a lymph node disability has been dismissed as he withdrew his claim during the hearing. The claims of service connection for bilateral hearing loss, tinnitus, and bladder condition are remanded for additional development.

The Veteran's tinnitus was granted service connection as it is related to his in-service acoustic trauma. The claims for bilateral hearing loss, a right knee disorder, and peripheral neuropathy are remanded due to the need for additional medical inquiry.

The Board has granted service connection for bilateral hearing loss and tinnitus, finding that the Veteran's current symptoms are related to his in-service exposure to jet aircraft engine noise. The claim for residuals of a ruptured left ear drum was withdrawn prior to decision.

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

The Veteran's claim for automobile and adaptive equipment or adaptive equipment only has been granted due to the loss of use of at least one foot as a result of service-connected disabilities. The issue of reopening the sterility claim is remanded.

The Board has reopened the Veteran's claims for service connection for bilateral hearing loss, tinnitus, residuals of a right ankle sprain, and depression/anxiety. However, no effective date is assigned as the evidence does not meet the criteria for an earlier effective date.