Hearing loss decisions — 2014

The Board has granted service connection for left ear hearing loss due to chronic symptoms during service and noise exposure.,Service connection was denied for residuals of left eardrum perforation as the current condition is not related to in-service disease.

The Board has reopened the previously denied claims for service connection for hearing loss, TMJ and dental disorders, knee disorders, and disorders of the feet. The Veteran's hearing loss was not shown to be related to service.

The Veteran's tinnitus was found to be incurred in service and granted. The issues of entitlement to an initial compensable rating for left ear hearing loss and to service connection for right ear hearing loss are addressed in the REMAND portion of the decision.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's tinnitus and right ear hearing loss are related to in-service noise exposure. However, there is no medical evidence indicating a current left ear hearing loss disability for VA purposes. The case is therefore remanded to obtain an updated audiological examination.

The Board has determined that the Veteran does not have a right knee disability and therefore, service connection for a right knee disorder is denied.

The Board has denied the Veteran's claims for service connection for coronary artery disease and hearing loss disability. The decision regarding hearing loss disability is pending as it relates to new and material evidence.

The Veteran's tinnitus was found to have originated during his active service and is granted service connection.

The Board has determined that service connection for left ear hearing loss is granted, but not for right ear hearing loss.

The Board has remanded the case for a videoconference hearing at a local VA office, via videoconference. The Veteran's request for a hearing has not been withdrawn.

The Veteran's service-connected hearing loss and tinnitus do not render him unable to secure or follow a substantially gainful occupation.

The Board found that the Veteran does not have a current hearing loss disability for VA purposes and thus cannot establish service connection based on direct service connection. The claim for low back disability is pending in the remand portion of this decision.

The Board has determined that the Veteran does not have hearing loss or tumors associated with herbicide exposure, and thus service connection for these conditions is denied.

The Veteran's appeal was dismissed due to the death of the appellant, and no evaluation has been assigned for bilateral hearing loss.

The Veteran's service-connected disabilities (coronary artery disease, hearing loss, and posttraumatic stress disorder) are severe enough to prevent him from securing or following a substantially gainful occupation.

The Board has granted service connection for right ear hearing loss based on aggravation during military service. The issue of entitlement to a compensable evaluation for left ear hearing loss is being remanded.

The Veteran's service-connected bilateral hearing loss was manifested by Level I hearing acuity bilaterally throughout the appeal period, and therefore does not meet the criteria for a compensable rating.

The Veteran's service-connected bilateral hearing loss has been manifested by no worse than level II hearing acuity in the right ear and left ear. The Board finds that the preponderance of the evidence is against entitlement to an initial compensable rating for a bilateral hearing loss disability.

The Veteran was granted service connection for bilateral hearing loss with a 50% rating, effective December 2007. The appellant is entitled to $2,316.93 in reimbursement for cremation expenses paid by him on behalf of the Veteran.

The Board has determined that the Veteran does not have a current bilateral flat foot disability, hearing loss disability, or cervical spine disability (upper back pain) for which service connection is warranted.,Service connection was denied for all three issues due to lack of evidence linking any diagnosed conditions to service.

The Board has granted service connection for left ear hearing loss, finding that the Veteran's current hearing loss is at least as likely as not caused by or a result of in-service noise exposure. The right ear hearing loss claim remains pending and will be remanded for further development.