Hearing loss decisions — 2014

The Board has determined that new and material evidence has been received to reopen the claims for service connection for bilateral hearing loss and tinnitus. However, the Veteran's current bilateral hearing loss is not shown to be related to his active duty service or a service-connected disability, while his tinnitus is not shown to have been caused by noise exposure in service. The Board finds that service connection cannot be granted as there is no medical evidence establishing a link between the Veteran's current conditions and his military service.

The Veteran's appeal is being remanded due to the need for a VA examination and additional medical records, as well as potential new evidence of worsening hearing loss.

The Veteran's appeal is being remanded due to the inadequacy of a previous VA opinion regarding his bilateral hearing loss. The case will be reviewed again with consideration of new evidence and an updated medical opinion.

The Veteran's hearing loss and tinnitus are being remanded for further examination as the current evidence is insufficient to determine their etiology. The claims will be reconsidered after a VA examination.

The Veteran's audiometric test results during the appeal period corresponded to a numeric designation of no greater than I in both ears, which does not meet the criteria for a compensable rating for bilateral hearing loss.

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

The Board has determined that the Veteran's claimed conditions, including back disability, cervical spine disability, and right shoulder disability, are not related to service.

The Veteran's service connection for tinnitus is granted as it is found to be related to his service-connected hearing loss.

The Veteran's claims for service connection for bilateral hearing loss and knee disorders, as well as his claim for an initial compensable rating prior to January 3, 2014, and higher than 10 percent thereafter for headaches were denied. The Board found that the evidence did not support a finding of current disabilities or a relationship between the claimed conditions and service.

The VA determined that the appellant's diagnosed bilateral hearing loss did not have its onset in service, within one year of service discharge, or is otherwise related to his active service.

The Veteran's bilateral hearing loss is found to have originated in service and the Board grants service connection for this condition.

The Veteran's claims for initial compensable evaluations for bilateral hearing loss and calcified granuloma of the lungs were denied by the RO.

The Veteran's appeals for service connection and increased ratings have been withdrawn. The Board has determined that the Veteran's GERD with IBS warrants a 30 percent rating throughout the appeal period, but no higher.

The Board found that the Veteran's current hearing loss and tinnitus are not related to his military service, specifically noting inconsistencies in his statements regarding when these conditions began.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's left ear hearing loss is related to noise exposure during active duty, and thus service connection for this condition is granted.

The Board has determined that a new examination is required for the Veteran's hearing loss and ear disease claims due to his assertions of worsening symptoms. The Veteran will also be scheduled for an examination by an Ear, Nose and Throat specialist if necessary.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's bilateral hearing loss does not warrant a compensable rating under VA's schedular criteria, as his audiometric findings do not meet the criteria for any higher evaluation.

The Board has granted service connection for left ear hearing loss and tinnitus.,Further examination is needed to determine the nature and likely etiology of any current hip and knee disabilities.

The Board has determined that the Veteran did not serve in Vietnam and there is no evidence of herbicide exposure. The claims for diabetes mellitus, type II, cardiological disability, including hypertension, and right ear hearing loss are denied as they do not meet the criteria for service connection on a direct basis.

The Veteran's appeal for service connection for hearing loss has been withdrawn. The Board is dismissing this issue as there are no allegations of error in fact or law remaining for appellate consideration.