Hearing loss Board decisions

The Board has decided to remand the case due to inadequate examination results and requests for another VA audiological examination.

The Veteran's bilateral hearing loss is determined to be a result of acoustic trauma sustained during active service, and the Board grants service connection for this condition.

The Veteran's service-connected disabilities have worsened, but the RO is proposing to reduce his rating for chronic prostatitis. The Board finds that more information is needed about the impact of these conditions on his ability to perform daily activities and whether they render him housebound or in need of aid and attendance.

The Veteran's claim for service connection for a right knee disorder is denied as there is no evidence of a chronic condition during service and the preponderance of the evidence fails to establish a relationship with service.,Service connection for bilateral hearing loss is denied because the Veteran does not meet the criteria for a present disability under VA regulations. The Board finds that his current hearing status does not qualify him for compensation based on noise exposure in service.,The claim for tinnitus is granted as the initial onset occurred within one year of discharge and there is no evidence against it being related to service.,Barrett's esophagus is denied because there is no evidence of a chronic condition during service, and the preponderance of the evidence fails to establish a relationship with service.,Left hand numbness is denied as there is no evidence of a chronic condition during service, and the preponderance of the evidence fails to establish a relationship with service.,Right hand numbness is denied for similar reasons: no chronic condition during service and failure to establish a relationship with service.

The Board has granted service connection for left ear hearing loss and tinnitus, but denied service connection for right ear hearing loss and a right thumb scar.

The Veteran's claim for service connection for bilateral hearing loss and tinnitus was denied. The Board found that the evidence did not establish a current disability, as there is no record of any hearing loss or significant communication difficulties.

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

The Board has remanded the Veteran's claims for ischemic heart disease and right ear hearing loss due to Agent Orange exposure, as well as his request for a compensable evaluation for right ear hearing loss. The VA is required to obtain additional medical records and conduct further examinations to determine if there is service connection for these conditions.

The Veteran's service-connected disabilities, including PTSD, bilateral hearing loss, and tinnitus, do not render him unable to secure or maintain substantially gainful employment. The Board denied the TDIU claim as there is no evidence that his service-connected conditions alone prevent him from obtaining or maintaining such employment.

The Board has remanded the claims of service connection for bilateral hearing loss and tinnitus due to inadequate medical opinions regarding the etiology of these conditions. The Veteran's lay statements support his belief that he experienced hearing problems since service.

The Veteran's bilateral knee arthritis and hearing loss are related to his active service.

The Veteran's hearing loss is rated at 20% from February 28, 2015 onwards. The appeal for higher ratings prior to that date and in excess of 20% thereafter has been denied.

The Board denied service connection for bilateral hearing loss disability and tinnitus as the evidence did not support a link between these conditions and service.

The Veteran's TDIU claim was denied because he failed to complete the required VA Form 21-8940 and provide information about his employment history, educational background, and income. The Board found that the evidence did not show that his service-connected disabilities prevented him from securing or maintaining gainful employment.

The Board has remanded the claims of service connection for bilateral hearing loss and tinnitus due to a lack of an examination.

The Veteran's service connection for hearing loss in the right ear, tinnitus, and left ear hearing loss has been denied.,A rating in excess of 10 percent for tinnitus is also denied. The Veteran's left ear hearing loss does not meet the criteria for a compensable rating.

The Veteran's death was not related to his active duty exposure, and there were no claims pending at the time of his death. The claim for service connection for the cause of death is remanded due to inextricability with accrued benefits.

The Board has granted service connection for bilateral hearing loss disability and tinnitus, finding that these conditions are etiologically related to acoustic trauma sustained in active service.

The Board has reopened the Veteran's claims for service connection for bilateral hearing loss and tinnitus due to new evidence submitted since the October 2009 rating decision. However, further development is needed as a VA examination is required to determine if current hearing loss and tinnitus are related to military service.

The Board has remanded the claims for bilateral hearing loss and prostate cancer due to insufficient evidence regarding exposure to herbicides during service.