Hearing loss decisions — 2013

The Veteran's left ear hearing loss and sinusitis were found to be related to service exposure, with the Board granting service connection for both conditions.

The Board denied the Veteran's claims of service connection for a left shoulder disability and an increased rating for bilateral hearing loss. The Veteran did not have a diagnosed left shoulder disability, and his current bilateral hearing loss is rated as 10 percent disabling.

The Veteran's claims for increased ratings were denied. The Board found that the evidence did not support a compensable rating for right ear hearing loss, and denied entitlement to an evaluation in excess of 10 percent for tinnitus, lumbar strain with levoscoliosis prior to May 4, 2009, costochondritis (chest pain and shortness of breath), or hypertensive heart disease.

The Veteran's appeal is being remanded for further development, including a VA examination to determine the nature and etiology of his current bilateral hearing loss and tinnitus.

The Board has granted service connection for bilateral hearing loss and tinnitus, finding that the Veteran's current conditions are related to his military noise exposure. Service connection for erectile dysfunction is also granted as secondary to diabetes mellitus.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's current bilateral hearing loss and bilateral shoulder disabilities are not related to his military service. The evidence does not show any in-service injury or disease, nor is there a showing of continuity of symptomatology since service.

The Board has determined that the Veteran does not have a current hearing loss disability in his left ear for VA compensation purposes, and thus cannot establish service connection.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's current bilateral hearing loss disability is not related to his service, including noise exposure during active duty. The preponderance of evidence does not support a finding that the Veteran's hearing loss was incurred or aggravated by service.

The Board has reopened the Veteran's claim of service connection for hearing loss, finding that new and material evidence has been presented. The case is now remanded to consider the merits of the claim.

The Veteran's claim for service connection for hearing loss is being remanded due to the need for a VA examination and updated treatment records.

The Board has determined that a new VA examination is needed to determine if the Veteran's current bilateral hearing loss and tinnitus are related to his military service, including noise exposure.

The Veteran's bilateral hearing loss and tinnitus were not incurred in or aggravated by service. The VA examiner found the conditions more likely due to presbycusis and/or some other etiology.

The Veteran's service-connected bilateral hearing loss has not met the criteria for a higher disability rating, and therefore his initial claim for an increased rating is denied.

The Board has remanded the case for additional development, including scheduling a VA examination to address the Veteran's claim of right ear hearing loss related to in-service noise exposure. The Veteran is seeking service connection for his current condition.

The Board has denied service connection for bilateral hearing loss and tinnitus, finding that the evidence does not support a nexus to active service.

The Board has granted service connection for right ear hearing loss and tinnitus, finding that the evidence is at least in relative balance as to whether these conditions are etiologically related to active service. Service connection was also granted for tinnitus on a secondary basis due to the Veteran's service-connected right ear hearing loss.

The Veteran's claims for service connection for bilateral hearing loss, tinnitus, and Meniere's disease are being remanded due to the inextricability of these issues. The RO/AMC will address the claim for service connection for Meniere's disease first, followed by a re-evaluation of the claims for hearing loss and tinnitus.

The Board has granted service connection for left ear hearing loss and is granting the Veteran's claim. The issue of service connection for an acquired psychiatric disorder, to include depression and PTSD, remains pending.

The Board found that the Veteran's hearing loss was not incurred in or aggravated by service and denied his claim for service connection.

The Veteran's appeal is being remanded due to unclear charges and potential Medicare coverage. The case will be reviewed again for payment or reimbursement of unauthorized medical expenses incurred at Carondelet Heart and Vascular Institute on May 25, 2012.