Hearing loss Board decisions

The Veteran's claim for service connection for bilateral hearing loss is being remanded due to the inadequacy of the March 2013 VA audiological examination, which did not consider the possibility that his current hearing disability may be related to service despite normal hearing at separation.

The Board denied the Veteran's claims for service connection for bilateral hearing loss, tinnitus, and left ankle disability due to a lack of current diagnoses or evidence linking these conditions to service.

The Veteran's service-connected disabilities do not render him unable to secure and follow substantially gainful employment, as his education and previous work experience qualify him for sedentary or non-sedentary work.

The Veteran's claim for service connection for bilateral hearing loss and peripheral vestibular disability (claimed as vertigo) is being remanded due to the need for additional development, including obtaining VA treatment records and arranging for a repeat VNG test.

The Board has granted service connection for bilateral hearing loss, but denied service connection for a respiratory disorder including pneumonia and COPD. The Veteran's current bilateral hearing loss is considered to be due to in-service noise exposure, while the evidence does not support a finding of a current disability of pneumonia or COPD.

The Veteran's son, who is an adult over the age of 23 and not incapable of self-support, does not qualify for accrued benefits as he did not bear any expenses related to his father's last illness or burial. The Board denied the claim for accrued benefits due to lack of eligibility under VA laws and regulations.

The Board denied the Veteran's claims of service connection for various conditions, including left arm disorder, right arm disorder, right wrist disorder, eye disorder, left ear hearing loss, and unspecified lung condition. The Board found no evidence linking these conditions to service.

The Board denied the Veteran's claim to reopen his service connection for bilateral hearing loss, finding that the new evidence submitted does not relate to an unestablished fact necessary to substantiate the underlying claim.

The Veteran's current bilateral hearing loss is found to be related to service, and thus service connection for this condition is granted.

The Board has denied service connection for bilateral hearing loss due to the Veteran's pre-existing condition not being aggravated by noise exposure during active duty. Service connection for hypertension is remanded as there was inadequate medical opinion and missing VA treatment records.

The Veteran's hearing loss and residuals of a perforated right eardrum are granted as service connected. The skin disorder (presumed herpes circinatus bullosus) and rubella claims are remanded for further development.

The Veteran's bilateral hearing loss and tinnitus are granted service connection. The Veteran's sleep apnea is remanded for further examination, and the respiratory disability (chronic bronchitis) claim remains pending.

The Veteran's claims for service connection for bilateral hearing loss and tinnitus are remanded due to inadequate medical opinions.,The Veteran's claim for service connection for Hepatitis C is remanded due to incomplete records and the need for an examination to secure a fully adequate opinion.,The Veteran's claims for service connection for right lower extremity sciatica, left lower extremity sciatica, and his variously diagnosed psychiatric disability are remanded due to inadequate medical opinions.,The Veteran's claim for a rating in excess of 20 percent for lumbar strain is remanded due to the need for an examination to secure a fully adequate opinion.,The Veteran's claim for a rating in excess of 10 percent for bilateral pes cavus and claw foot with hallux valgus of the great toe and first metatarsal hammertoes is remanded due to the need for an examination to secure a fully adequate opinion.

The Veteran's appeals for higher ratings on his service-connected right hand disabilities and rash of the scrotum are remanded due to incomplete medical records, lack of recent examinations, and need for additional testing.

The Board has granted service connection for tinnitus, but dismissed the appeal regarding bilateral hearing loss.

The Board denied service connection for bilateral hearing loss and tinnitus, finding that the Veteran's current conditions were not attributable to his military service.

The Board denied service connection for bilateral hearing loss and tinnitus, finding that the Veteran's conditions did not begin during or as a result of his military service.

The Board has remanded the claims of service connection for various conditions, including heart disability, bilateral hearing loss, tinnitus, cataracts, blood clots in lungs, sleep apnea, basal cell carcinoma, and dementia/memory loss. The reasons for remand include seeking additional medical opinions on etiology.

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

The Veteran's claim for an increased evaluation in excess of 60 percent for coronary artery disease is denied. The Board found that the evidence did not meet the criteria for a higher rating, as his symptoms were consistent with a 60 percent evaluation.