Hearing loss decisions — 2016

The Veteran's appeal includes claims for increased hearing loss and service connection for Alzheimer's dementia. The Board has determined that additional development, including obtaining VA treatment records and scheduling a new examination, is needed before these claims can be adjudicated.

The Board has determined that new and material evidence has been received to reopen the claim of entitlement to service connection for left ear hearing loss. The Veteran's current left ear hearing loss is found to be related to his in-service noise exposure, and thus service connection is granted.

The Board has determined that the Veteran does not have a current disability of either eye within the meaning of applicable legislation and therefore, service connection for an eye disability is denied. The VA examiner opined that the Veteran's hearing loss is not related to military noise exposure.

The Veteran's bilateral hearing loss disability is found to be attributable to service, and the claim for service connection is granted.

The Veteran's bilateral hearing loss is currently rated at 10 percent, and the Board finds no evidence to warrant a higher rating based on the audiometric findings provided.

The Board has granted service connection for right ear hearing loss, finding that the Veteran's current condition is due to in-service noise exposure and continuous post-service symptoms.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's current bilateral hearing loss and tinnitus are not related to his military service, as there is no evidence of in-service noise exposure or continuity of symptomatology since service. Service connection for these conditions is therefore denied.

The Veteran's bilateral hearing loss is found to be related to service, with the Board granting service connection based on continuous post-service symptoms.

The Board has determined that a remand is necessary to obtain additional medical opinions regarding the Veteran's bilateral hearing loss and tinnitus, as well as to schedule the Veteran for an audiological examination.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's current bilateral sensorineural hearing loss and tinnitus are at least as likely as not related to his active military service, including noise exposure in service. Therefore, service connection for these conditions is granted.

The Veteran's current bilateral hearing loss disability did not have its onset during active service, was not caused by active service, and did not manifest within one year of separation from active service. Therefore, the claim for service connection for bilateral hearing loss is denied.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's bilateral hearing loss and tinnitus are related to his military service, with the evidence being in equipoise. Therefore, service connection for these conditions is granted.

The Veteran's appeal is remanded for further medical examination and consideration of his service-connected disabilities in the context of his employment, including their impact on his ability to work.

The Board has determined that new and material evidence has been submitted to reopen the Veteran's claims of service connection for headaches, bilateral hearing loss, and tinnitus. The case is REMANDED for further development.

The Board has remanded the case for additional development to obtain employment records and provide a new opinion regarding tinnitus.

The Board denied service connection for the claimed disabilities, finding that there was no evidence of in-service herbicide exposure or other service-connected conditions.

The Board finds that the Veteran's bilateral hearing loss and tinnitus are not related to his military service, as there is no evidence of in-service noise exposure or a nexus between current symptoms and service. The VA examiner concluded that the Veteran's current hearing loss is more likely due to occupational noise exposure rather than military service.

The Veteran's claims for increased ratings and service connection were denied. The Board found that the Veteran's lumbar strain did not meet or approximate criteria for a rating in excess of 20 percent.

The Board has remanded the case for further development, including obtaining a VA audiogram and scheduling the Veteran for a VA examination to assess his bilateral hearing loss and right thigh disability. The appeal is currently in remand status.

The Board has denied the Veteran's claims for service connection for hearing loss, a left eye disability, and tuberculosis as there is no evidence of current disabilities or residuals thereof.