Hearing loss decisions — 2013

The Veteran's service-connected bilateral hearing loss is currently rated as zero percent disabling, and the Board finds that this rating is appropriate based on the audiometric results provided.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's bilateral hearing loss and tinnitus are as likely as not related to his active service, including exposure to loud noise during his time on board the USS Gridley.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's current bilateral hearing loss disability is causally related to or aggravated by his military noise exposure, and thus grants service connection for this condition.

The Board found that the Veteran's current bilateral hearing loss disability is not related to his in-service noise exposure and did not have its onset within one year of separation from active duty. Therefore, service connection for this condition was denied.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's right ear hearing loss is causally or etiologically due to noise exposure during service and grants entitlement to service connection for this condition.

The Veteran's bilateral hearing loss disability is currently rated as noncompensable, with the most recent audiometric evaluations showing Level II hearing in both ears.

The Veteran's bilateral hearing loss is found to be related to his in-service exposure to loud noise, and the claim for service connection is granted.

The Board has granted service connection for bilateral hearing loss and tinnitus, finding that the Veteran's current conditions are attributable to acoustic noise trauma during his active military service.

The Board has determined that further examination and opinions are needed to determine the etiology of the Veteran's claimed disabilities, including hearing loss, upper respiratory disorders, GERD, and sleep apnea. The case is therefore being remanded for these purposes.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's bilateral hearing loss and tinnitus are likely due to noise exposure during his military service, granting the claims for these disabilities.

The Board has determined that additional medical opinions are needed to address the nature and etiology of the Veteran's low back disability, as well as his current bilateral hearing loss. The claims will be remanded for these purposes.

The Veteran's left ear hearing loss was noted at the time of his enlistment and did not increase in severity during active service. Therefore, service connection is denied as there is no evidence of aggravation.

The Board has reopened the claim of service connection for PTSD and found new and material evidence. The Veteran's other psychiatric conditions are also being considered, but a remand is required to obtain VA treatment records and provide an adequate examination.

The Board has remanded the case due to incomplete development and need for additional examinations, including a VA audiometric examination.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's right ear hearing loss and tinnitus are related to his active service, including exposure to noise during combat. As a result, the claims for service connection have been granted.

The Board found that the Veteran's acquired psychiatric disorder (depression) and bilateral hearing loss were not causally related to his service. The preponderance of evidence did not support a finding that these conditions were incurred or aggravated by his military service.

The Veteran's appeal is being remanded due to the need to obtain Social Security Administration records. The claims for service connection for bilateral hearing loss and tinnitus will be reconsidered with these additional records.

The Board has determined that new and material evidence has been received sufficient to reopen the service connection claim for bilateral hearing loss. Resolving reasonable doubt in favor of the Veteran, the current bilateral sensorineural hearing loss is etiologically related to service.

The Board found that the Veteran's hearing loss in his left ear pre-existed service and was not aggravated by service, thus denying his claim for service connection.

The Veteran's appeal concerns the initial evaluation assigned following the grant of service connection for bilateral hearing loss. The Board has determined that the criteria for an initial compensable rating have not been met.