Hearing loss decisions — 2013

The Veteran's claim for service connection for left ear hearing loss is being remanded due to the need for a new VA examination to determine if in-service noise exposure could cause progressive hearing loss.

The Board found that the Veteran's current bilateral hearing loss and tinnitus are not related to his active service, including noise exposure. The VA examiner concluded that there was no significant change in hearing from service, making it less likely than not that the current hearing loss is due to military noise exposure.

The Veteran's claims for bilateral hearing loss and tinnitus are being remanded due to the need for a clarifying medical opinion regarding the nature and etiology of these conditions.

The Board has determined that the Veteran does not meet the criteria for service connection for PTSD based on DSM-IV diagnostic criteria. Service connection is granted for bilateral hearing loss and tinnitus.

The Board denied service connection for bilateral hearing loss and tinnitus, finding no evidence of a nexus between current conditions and in-service acoustic trauma or exposure.

The Veteran's claims for service connection for various conditions were denied. The Board found no evidence of current disabilities or a nexus to service.

The Board found that the Veteran's bilateral hearing loss was not incurred in or aggravated by service and may not be presumed to have been incurred or aggravated therein.

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

The Veteran's current right ear hearing loss is found to be at least as likely as not related to noise exposure during military service, and the claim for service connection is granted.

The Board found that the Veteran does not have a current right ear disability other than hearing loss, and thus denied service connection for such.

The Board denied higher ratings for bilateral hearing loss on both schedular and extra-schedular bases.

The Board has denied the Veteran's claims for service connection for bilateral hearing loss, hypertension, residuals of a left hand and left little finger injury, and a respiratory disorder manifested by shortness of breath and chest pain.

The Veteran's service-connected disabilities, including PTSD, bilateral aphakia, shrapnel wound to the right upper leg, CAD, and other conditions, preclude him from securing or following substantially gainful employment.

The Veteran's claims for increased ratings for his service-connected hearing loss and tinnitus were denied as the evidence did not establish that he had compensable hearing loss or a rating in excess of 10 percent for tinnitus.

The Veteran's appeal for increased ratings of bilateral hearing loss and PTSD is addressed in the REMAND portion of the decision. The TDIU claim is granted.

The Veteran's claims for service connection for bilateral hearing loss and tinnitus are remanded due to inadequate VA examination results. The case will be readjudicated after obtaining a new VA examination.

The Board found that the claimant's hypertension, bilateral sensorineural hearing loss, brain damage, stomach ache, and malaria are not related to his service. The claim was denied as there is no credible evidence linking these conditions to his military service.

The Board has determined that additional development is necessary before either of the underlying service connection claims can be adjudicated.

The VA criteria for hearing loss of the left ear have not been demonstrated at any time during the appeal, and service connection is denied.

The Board found that the Veteran does not have a current disability for his right ear hearing loss, but has a current disability for his left ear. The VA audiologist opined that the Veteran's bilateral sensorineural hearing loss is most likely caused by post-military occupational noise exposure rather than service.