Hearing loss decisions — 2019

The Board denied service connection for bilateral hearing loss, tinnitus, and a right foot disability due to lack of evidence meeting VA's criteria for hearing loss or tinnitus. The Veteran did not meet the threshold for current hearing loss in either ear as defined by VA regulations.,Service connection was also denied for tinnitus because there is no objective evidence linking it to service despite conceded noise exposure, and the examiner found that the Veteran’s tinnitus is less likely than not caused by military noise exposure.

The Veteran's claims for service connection for migraine headaches and an initial rating in excess of 10 percent for bilateral hearing loss are remanded due to the need for additional medical examinations and records.

The Veteran's claims for service connection of tinnitus and BHL have been granted. The claim for an initial rating in excess of 50 percent for PTSD has been remanded.

The Veteran's initial claim for hearing loss was denied, and subsequent claims for increased ratings were also denied. The Board found that the Veteran did not meet the criteria for any of the requested increases in rating.

The Veteran's claim for service connection for bilateral hearing loss is denied as he does not have a current diagnosis of hearing loss for VA purposes.,Service connection for gastritis, claimed as gastrointestinal problems, and colitis to include celiac disease are remanded due to the need for additional development including obtaining missing private medical records and a new VA examination.,The Veteran's claim for service connection for a sleep disorder is denied as there is no competent evidence linking his current symptoms to service.

The Veteran's claim for a compensable disability rating for service-connected bilateral hearing loss has been denied as the evidence does not support an increase in his disability rating.

The Veteran's bilateral hearing loss and tinnitus are granted as service-connected.

The Board denied service connection for bilateral sensorineural hearing loss and tinnitus as the evidence did not show chronic symptoms in service or continuity of symptoms after service separation.

The Board has granted service connection for right ear hearing loss, finding that the Veteran had significant noise exposure in service and current symptoms of hearing loss. The decision is based on the Veteran's testimony and audiometric test results.

The Veteran's cause of death was initially listed as COPD, but his spouse now contends that diabetes mellitus caused the death. The Board has ordered a request for the original death certificate from Indiana State Department of Health Division of Vital Records.

The Board has granted service connection for bilateral hearing loss and tinnitus, finding that the Veteran's current conditions are related to his active duty service.

The Veteran's service-connected disabilities alone do not necessitate the care or assistance of another person on a regular basis to attend to the activities of daily living, protect him from the hazards or dangers of his daily environment, substantially confine him to his dwelling or immediate premises, or require prominent institutionalization.

The Board has decided to remand the cases for a new VA examination due to an inadequate rationale in the previous opinion. The Veteran's hearing loss and tinnitus are related to noise exposure during service.

The Veteran's service-connected PTSD, tinnitus, and bilateral high frequency sensorineural hearing loss have rendered him unable to secure or follow a substantially gainful occupation since June 18, 2013. The Board has granted entitlement to a total disability rating based upon individual unemployability (TDIU) from that date.

The Veteran withdrew his appeal for an initial compensable evaluation for bilateral hearing loss, and the claim is dismissed.

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 acoustic trauma.

The Board denied service connection for bilateral hearing loss, finding that the current hearing loss did not begin in service and is not related to noise exposure during active duty.

The Veteran's claim for service connection for tinnitus has been granted.,The Veteran's claim for service connection for bilateral hearing loss is remanded due to the need for additional development.

The Board has decided to remand the case due to an inadequate medical examination and the need for additional records. The Veteran's left ear hearing loss is being reviewed again as it may be related to his service.

The Board denied service connection for left ear hearing loss and tinnitus, finding no evidence linking these conditions to military service.