Hearing loss decisions — 2014

The Veteran's claim for service connection for hearing loss disability and tinnitus is being remanded due to the need for additional medical records, a VA examination, and further development of the claims.

The Board has determined that the Veteran does not have a current disability for which service connection can be granted, specifically bilateral hearing loss and obstructive sleep apnea. The evidence does not support a finding of continuity of symptomatology or a nexus to service.

The Board has determined that the Veteran does not have a current hearing loss disability in either ear and his tinnitus was sustained during service. Therefore, service connection for bilateral hearing loss is denied as there is no evidence of a present disability. Service connection for tinnitus is granted.

The Board has determined that additional development is needed before the issues of service connection for hearing loss and tinnitus can be properly adjudicated.

The Veteran's service connection claim for bilateral hearing loss is granted as the evidence shows a current disability, in-service acoustic trauma, and chronic symptoms of hearing loss during service. The Board finds that the criteria for presumptive service connection have been met.

The Veteran's appeal to reopen service connection for bilateral hearing loss is granted. The case is REMANDED to obtain an addendum medical examination and opinion regarding the etiology of his current bilateral hearing loss, as well as his tinnitus.

The Board has granted service connection for headaches, bilateral hearing loss disability, and tinnitus. Headaches are found to be related to active service exposure. Bilateral hearing loss disability is found to be related to acoustic trauma during active service. Tinnitus is found to be related to the Veteran's service-connected bilateral hearing loss disability.

The Board has granted the Veteran's claim of entitlement to service connection for left ear hearing loss, finding that there is an approximate balance of positive and negative evidence regarding its etiology.

The Board found that the Veteran's left ear hearing loss did not have its onset in service and is not etiologically related to service. The Board also determined that his left ear hearing loss was not aggravated or caused by his tinnitus and/or right ear hearing loss.

The Board denied the Veteran's claims for increased ratings for his service-connected bilateral hearing loss disability and tinnitus, finding no basis to assign higher evaluations based on the evidence of record.

The Veteran's service-connected left ear hearing loss has been rated as noncompensable prior to August 7, 2006. The Board finds that the evidence does not support a compensable rating for this period.

The Board finds that the Veteran's tinnitus manifested as a result of noise exposure during his military service, warranting service connection. However, there is no evidence of hearing loss for VA purposes.

The Board has remanded the case for further development due to the Veteran's request for a hearing. The original issues of entitlement to compensable ratings for bilateral hearing loss and arterial hypertension remain pending.

The Veteran's bilateral hearing loss disability has been rated as noncompensable throughout the appeal period based on the audiometric test results provided. The Board finds that a compensable rating is not warranted for any period.

The Veteran's appeal is being remanded for additional development, including obtaining private and VA treatment records related to his hearing loss disability. The issues of entitlement to an initial compensable rating for bilateral hearing loss and whether new and material evidence has been received to reopen a claim for service connection for a respiratory disability will be reconsidered.

The Board has found that the Veteran's tinnitus is service-connected, resolving all reasonable doubt in his favor. The claim for bilateral hearing loss remains pending and will be remanded to the agency of original jurisdiction.

The Board has granted service connection for Meniere's syndrome, which includes hearing loss and tinnitus. The Veteran's left wrist condition and skin condition are remanded for further examination.

The Veteran's claim for service connection for a left ear disorder, characterized by hearing loss, dizziness and nausea is being remanded due to the need for additional examinations and development of her claims.

The Board has granted service connection for PTSD, finding that the Veteran's current condition is at least in part due to military sexual trauma. Service connection was also granted for bilateral hearing loss and pes planus (fallen arches).

The Veteran's bilateral hearing loss is attributable to in-service acoustic trauma, and the Board finds service connection for this condition.