Hearing loss decisions — 2016

The Veteran's appeal is being remanded due to the need for a new VA audiological examination as his condition may have worsened since his last evaluation in February 2013.

The Veteran withdrew his service connection claim for hearing loss of the right ear during a Board hearing, leading to its dismissal.

The Board has remanded the claims for further development due to incomplete medical records and need for additional examinations.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's bilateral hearing loss is as likely as not related to his active military service, and thus grants service connection for this condition.

The Veteran's claim for increased ratings for bilateral hearing loss was denied. The Board found that the evidence did not support a compensable rating prior to October 4, 2010 or any rating in excess of 10 percent thereafter.

The Veteran's bilateral hearing loss is found to be related to his military service, specifically the noise exposure he experienced during basic training and while serving as a microwave radio repairman. As such, the claim for service connection for bilateral hearing loss is granted.

The Veteran's appeal was dismissed due to his death before a decision could be made on the claims of service connection for bilateral hearing loss and tinnitus, as well as the rating issues related to depressive disorder and eye disabilities.

The Veteran's bilateral hearing loss is found to be related to his service, specifically the prolonged noise exposure while serving aboard an aircraft carrier. As a result, the Board grants service connection for bilateral hearing loss.

The Veteran's right ear hearing loss and low back disability have been granted service connection, with the low back disability receiving a 60% rating. The effective date for his TDIU remains at January 17, 2008.

The Board has denied the Veteran's claims of service connection for a neck disorder, bilateral hearing loss, and psychiatric disorder. The claim for left knee arthritis and instability is pending.

The Veteran's appeal is being remanded due to the need for a Board hearing.

The Veteran's appeal is being remanded to the RO for scheduling a Board hearing at the local office. The issues of service connection for bilateral hearing loss and tinnitus disabilities remain unresolved.

The Veteran's bilateral hearing loss and tinnitus are found to be related to his military service, with the hearing loss being aggravated by noise exposure during service. The tinnitus is considered secondary to the hearing loss.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's claims for service connection for bilateral hearing loss and tinnitus cannot be granted as there is no competent evidence linking these conditions to his military service, including in-service noise exposure.

The Veteran's claim for a higher rating for tinnitus was denied as there is no legal basis for the assignment of a schedular rating in excess of 10 percent. The Veteran's claim for service connection for bilateral hearing loss remains pending.

The Veteran's claims for service connection for bilateral hearing loss, aortic aneurism, PTSD, and other disabilities have been denied as the evidence does not support a finding that these conditions are related to his military service.

The Board has determined that a remand is necessary to obtain the complete December 9, 1965 service separation examination and to schedule the Veteran for appropriate VA examinations regarding his hearing loss and sleep apnea disabilities.

The Board has granted service connection for bilateral hearing loss and tinnitus, finding that the Veteran's current disabilities are at least as likely as not related to his in-service noise exposure. The claim of service connection for residuals of a head injury and brain aneurysm is also granted.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's bilateral hearing loss and tinnitus did not originate during active service or within a year of service discharge, and are not otherwise etiologically related to service. Therefore, the claims for service connection have been denied.

The Board found that the Veteran's hearing loss did not onset in service or within one year of his separation from service and is not etiologically related to service. Therefore, the claim for service connection for hearing loss was denied.