Hearing loss Board decisions

The Veteran's service in Vietnam is alleged to have exposed him to noise trauma, leading to ear infections and hearing loss. The RO has already granted service connection for acute otitis media right, but the Board finds that further development is needed to determine if his bilateral hearing loss and tinnitus are secondary to this condition.

The Veteran's bilateral hearing loss is currently rated at 10 percent prior to May 25, 2017 and 40 percent thereafter. The Board found that the evidence did not support a higher rating for either period.

The Board denied service connection for hearing loss, tinnitus, sleep apnea, and headaches as there was no evidence of a current disability or in-service incurrence.,The Veteran's claims were not supported by medical evidence showing the presence of these conditions during or after service.

The Board has remanded the case to determine if extraschedular consideration is warranted for the Veteran's bilateral hearing loss disability.

The Veteran's claims for right ear hearing loss, an acquired psychiatric disorder (including major depressive disorder and PTSD), and a cervical spine disability have been reopened due to the submission of new evidence. However, service connection remains denied as there is no clear evidence that these conditions are related to his military service.,Service connection has not been established for left ear infection, colon cancer, stroke, or low back disability.

The Board has determined that the Veteran does not have a current hip disability, right ear hearing loss, or right knee disability. The claim for service connection is therefore denied.

The Veteran's appeal is being remanded due to the need for a new VA examination to assess the current severity of his bilateral hearing loss.

The Veteran's unauthorized medical expenses claims for July 7, 2013 private hospitalization and ambulance services were denied because he did not receive VA medical services within the required 24-month period preceding the treatment.

The Veteran's bilateral hearing loss and potential related balance issues are not currently evaluated by the VA, and additional evidence is needed to determine their severity. The TDIU claim requires updated employment information from the Veteran.

The Board has decided to remand the claims for bilateral hearing loss and hypertensive heart disease due to inadequate examination results, lack of conclusive evidence regarding in-service onset or etiology, and need for additional medical opinions. The Veteran will be provided with a new VA examination and medical opinion.

The Veteran's claim for an increased rating for his bilateral hearing loss disability was denied as the evidence did not meet the criteria for a higher rating at any point during the appeal period.

The Veteran's bilateral hearing loss is denied as there is no evidence of a significant in-service noise exposure that resulted in current hearing impairment.

The Board has denied service connection for hearing loss but granted service connection for tinnitus. The issue of service connection for an acquired psychiatric disorder (other than PTSD) is remanded.

The Veteran's claim for service connection for left ear hearing loss is denied. The Veteran's PTSD is currently rated at 10 percent, but the Board finds that a higher rating is not warranted due to the presence of other conditions and symptoms. The Veteran's TDIU claim is also denied.

The Board has granted service connection for tinnitus. The cases of bilateral hearing loss, major depressive disorder, insomnia, erectile dysfunction, and hepatitis C with chronic fatigue are remanded due to the need for additional development.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's bilateral hearing loss is etiologically related to his active military service and grants service connection for this condition.

The Board has remanded the cases due to insufficient evidence and need for further examination. The Veteran's eye disability may be related to his service-connected forehead scar, but this needs to be confirmed by a VA examiner. For hearing loss, the Veteran's condition is believed to be related to his in-service work as an aircraft mechanic.

The Board has granted service connection for tinnitus, but denied service connection for bilateral hearing loss. The decision on hearing loss is based on the lack of probative medical evidence linking it to service.

The Veteran's claim for a compensable rating for bilateral hearing loss is remanded due to allegations of worsening symptoms and the need for a contemporaneous examination.

The Board granted service connection for right ear hearing loss and tinnitus, but denied service connection for left ear hearing loss. The Veteran's hiatal hernia and right foot calluses claims were dismissed due to his withdrawal of appeal.