Hearing loss Board decisions

The Veteran's claim for an increased rating for bilateral hearing loss is being remanded due to the need for a new VA examination. His claim for service connection for left ear hearing loss was previously granted in August 2014, and he has now testified about worsening of his right ear hearing loss.

The Board has determined that further development is needed before the claims can be decided on their merits. The Veteran's hearing loss and tinnitus are being referred back to the AOJ for additional examination and consideration.

The Board found that the Veteran's current right ear hearing loss is not related to his military service, including noise exposure as a cannon crewman. The evidence did not show any in-service injury or manifestation of hearing loss.

The Veteran's death was caused by alcohol abuse, which is secondary to his service-connected PTSD.,The Veteran did not meet the criteria for DIC benefits under 38 U.S.C.A. § 1318.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's current bilateral hearing loss is as likely as not due to noise exposure during his period of active service, and grants service connection for this condition.

The Veteran withdrew his appeal of the issues related to bilateral hearing loss prior to a decision being made by the Board.

The Veteran has withdrawn his appeal for service connection of right ear hearing loss, and the Board does not have jurisdiction to consider this matter further.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's bilateral hearing loss does not warrant a compensable rating, as his hearing impairment is currently rated at zero percent under Diagnostic Code 6100. The evidence shows no significant functional impact on daily life or employment.

The Veteran's claims for service connection for bilateral hearing loss and tinnitus were denied. The Board found that the evidence did not support a finding of in-service incurrence or aggravation, and that any current conditions are less likely than not related to service. For his heart disorder claim secondary to herbicide exposure, the VA examination was inadequate as it did not address other diagnosed heart disorders such as hypertension and an enlarged heart.

The Veteran withdrew the appeal for a higher initial disability rating for left ear hearing loss, leaving only the service connection issue unresolved.

The Veteran requested to withdraw his appeal, and as a result, the appeal has been dismissed.

The Veteran's bilateral hearing loss disability has been rated as noncompensable since service connection was established. The VA examinations have consistently shown Level I or II hearing in both ears, which corresponds to a noncompensable rating.

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

The Board denied the Veteran's claim for an extraschedular rating for his service-connected bilateral hearing loss, finding that the evidence did not show symptomatology due to the disability that was not contemplated by the rating schedule and there were no periods of marked interference with employment or frequent hospitalization.

The Board has granted the Veteran's claim for service connection for a right ear hearing loss disability, finding that it is related to his military service and secondary to his service-connected left ear hearing loss.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's current bilateral hearing loss and PTSD are related to his military service, with resolution of reasonable doubt in favor of the Veteran. The claim for service connection is granted.

The Board has denied the Veteran's claims for service connection for dermatitis and an initial compensable rating for bilateral hearing loss, finding that there is no evidence linking his current skin condition or hearing loss to his military service.

The Board has remanded the case due to a lack of recent VA treatment records and an incomplete evaluation of the Veteran's hearing loss disability. The Veteran will be scheduled for a VA examination to determine the severity of his bilateral hearing loss.

The Veteran's appeal has been withdrawn, and the case is dismissed.

The Board finds that the Veteran does not have a current left ear hearing loss disability as defined by VA regulation and therefore, service connection for this condition is denied.