Hearing loss Board decisions

The Board has determined that the Veteran's service connection claims for COPD, carpal tunnel syndrome, peripheral neuropathy, and bilateral hearing loss are granted. The decision is based on the evidence showing a relationship between these conditions and his military service.

The Board has granted service connection for bilateral hearing loss and tinnitus, finding that the Veteran's current conditions are at least as likely as not related to his military service. Service connection was also granted for bilateral foot neuropathy and hypertension based on direct evidence of a link between these conditions and service.

The Veteran's claims for bilateral hearing loss, tinnitus, and traumatic brain injury have been denied. Service connection has been established for anemia.

The Veteran's CUE claim for Section 1151 benefits for osteoporosis was dismissed due to lack of specific and particularized allegations. The claims for bilateral hearing loss and tinnitus were not reopened as the submitted evidence did not raise a reasonable possibility of substantiating these conditions.,The cause of death claim was denied because there is no evidence linking the Veteran's lung cancer with service-connected disabilities or exposure to Agent Orange. The DIC benefits claim was also denied due to lack of total disability rating for at least 10 years prior to death.

The Veteran's seborrheic rash and left ear hearing loss have been rated as noncompensable, with no compensable rating assigned for the entire appeal period.,Service connection for allergies has not been established due to a dishonorable discharge from service.

The Veteran's claims for service connection are being reopened, but further development is needed to assess the presence and severity of any disabilities.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's bilateral hearing loss is etiologically related to in-service noise exposure, and thus service connection for this condition is granted.

The Board denied the Veteran's claim of service connection for bilateral hearing loss, finding that new and material evidence had not been received to reopen his previously denied claim.

The Board has determined that additional development is needed to fully and fairly consider the Veteran's claims, including obtaining medical records and providing additional opinions.

The Veteran's claim for a higher rating for his bilateral hearing loss is being remanded due to the need for additional medical examination and consideration of all evidence.

The Veteran's claims for an initial compensable rating for bilateral hearing loss and a rating in excess of 70 percent for mood disorder have been denied. The evidence does not support the assignment of higher ratings based on the current symptoms and diagnostic criteria.

The Board found that the reduction of the rating for bilateral hearing loss from 10 to 0 percent effective April 1, 2011 was proper and denied restoration of a 10 percent rating.

The Board has determined that additional development is needed before a decision can be made regarding the Veteran's claim for service connection for bilateral hearing loss. The case will be returned to the Board after further action.

The Board finds that the Veteran does not have a current hearing loss disability or tinnitus related to service, and thus the claims for service connection are denied.

The Board has denied the claim for a total disability rating based on individual unemployability due to service-connected disabilities (TDIU).

The Board has ordered additional VA examinations to address the nature and etiology of hearing loss, tinnitus, sleep apnea, and DDD of the lumbar spine. The appeal is currently in remand status due to incomplete notification for the previously scheduled VA examinations.

The Board has remanded the case due to non-compliance with previous directives and a need for further VA examination. The Veteran's appeal is now pending again.

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

The Veteran's claim for increased rating of his left ear hearing loss is granted, and he is assigned a 10 percent disability rating. His right testicle atrophy with history of epididymitis also results in a compensable rating. The Veteran is awarded SMC in excess of the (k) rate due to both the loss of use of a creative organ (right testicle) and deafness in his left ear.