Hearing loss Board decisions

The Veteran's bilateral hearing loss disability is manifested in Level III hearing acuity for both ears, resulting in a noncompensable (0%) evaluation. The Veteran's PTSD with MDD and alcohol use disorder was evaluated at 70% disabling based on the most recent VA examination conducted in March 2014.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's bilateral hearing loss and tinnitus are related to his in-service acoustic trauma, resolving reasonable doubt in favor of the Veteran.

The Veteran's initial service connection for bilateral hearing loss has been granted, but the RO is requesting additional evidence to determine if a higher disability rating is warranted based on his current level of hearing acuity.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's current bilateral hearing loss and tinnitus are related to in-service noise exposure, resolving reasonable doubt in his favor. The claim for service connection for a right ankle disability is remanded as additional development is needed.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's bilateral hearing loss is service-connected, as there is at least a 50% likelihood it was caused by his military service.

The Veteran's appeal for service connection for left ear hearing loss has been withdrawn. The claim for hepatic steatosis was denied as the disease is not related to service.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's bilateral hearing loss and tinnitus are service-connected, while hypertension is secondary to diabetes mellitus, type II.

The Veteran's appeal involves a claim for an initial disability rating in excess of 10 percent for his service-connected bilateral hearing loss disability and whether referral for consideration of an extraschedular rating is warranted. The case has been remanded to obtain additional medical evidence, refer the extraschedular issue for determination, and readjudicate the claims.

The Veteran's service-connected disabilities, including PTSD, major depressive disorder, ischemic heart disease, tinnitus, scars, bilateral hearing loss, and urticaria, combine to a 70 percent disability rating. The Board finds that the evidence supports the assignment of a total disability evaluation based on individual unemployability due to service-connected disabilities.

The Veteran's bilateral hearing loss and tinnitus are related to active service.,The Veteran's preexisting lumbar spine disorder was not aggravated by active duty service. The cervical, knee, hip, stomach, headache, and right shoulder disorders were not shown in service or for many years thereafter.

The Board has determined that additional development is needed to properly adjudicate the Veteran's claims, including obtaining a copy of his DD-214 and any outstanding medical records. The Veteran will be scheduled for VA examinations to determine the nature and etiology of his bilateral hearing loss, tension headaches, and acquired psychiatric disability.

The Board has reopened the claim for service connection for bilateral hearing loss, secondary to an inservice head injury and granted the benefit.

The Veteran's diabetes, tinnitus, hearing loss, hemorrhoids, hand blisters, and a lung disability to include asbestosis were found to have their onset in service or are related to an in-service event. The upper and lower extremity neuropathies, vision problems including retinopathy, and atherosclerosis including coronary artery disease and peripheral artery disease are caused or aggravated by the now sevice-connected diabetes.

The Veteran's service connection claim for bilateral hearing loss and tinnitus is granted, with the reasoning that his symptoms began during military service.

The Board has determined that the Veteran is entitled to service connection for bilateral hearing loss and tinnitus, as these conditions are related to his military noise exposure.

The Board denied the Veteran's claims for service connection for bilateral hearing loss and tinnitus, finding that there was no evidence of a current disability related to military service.

The Veteran's bilateral hearing loss and tinnitus are granted as service connected, with the conditions being presumed due to herbicide exposure during his active duty. The claims for diabetes mellitus, lymphoma, and prostate cancer remain pending.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's bilateral hearing loss and tinnitus are related to service, granting service connection for both conditions.

The Board has remanded the case due to insufficient evidence and a need for further examination. The Veteran's claims for service connection and rating of hearing loss are pending.

The Veteran's bilateral hearing loss is found to be due to in-service noise exposure, and service connection for this condition is granted.