Hearing loss Board decisions

The Board finds that the evidence is in equipoise as to whether the Veteran's current bilateral hearing loss disability is related to his active service, and thus grants service connection for this condition.

The Board found that the Veteran's currently diagnosed bilateral sensorineural hearing loss did not meet the criteria for service connection as it was not incurred in or aggravated by active military service, and there is no evidence of continuity of symptoms since service.

The Veteran's claim for a higher rating for bilateral hearing loss was denied. The claim for tinnitus, however, resulted in a grant of service connection with an initial noncompensable rating that was later increased to 10 percent effective December 29, 2011.

The Veteran's appeal is being remanded for additional development, including obtaining medical opinions and records.

The Veteran's bilateral hearing loss disability was increased to a 40 percent rating effective December 7, 2015. The VA examination revealed no improvement in her hearing acuity.

The Board denied the Veteran's claims for service connection for bilateral hearing loss and tinnitus, finding no evidence of in-service noise exposure or current disabilities.

The Board has granted service connection for bilateral hearing loss and remanded the remaining issues on appeal due to inadequate examination reports.

The Board found that the Veteran's bilateral hearing loss was incurred due to acoustic trauma during periods of Active Duty for Training (ACDUTRA) and Inactive Duty for Training (INACDUTRA). The claim is granted.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's claims of entitlement to service connection for acid reflux and sleep apnea have been withdrawn. The Veteran does not have a current hearing loss disability in his right ear, but he has left ear hearing loss for VA purposes. However, as this condition is not shown within one year following discharge from service, it cannot be presumed to have been incurred therein. Tinnitus was also not shown during service or within the first post-service year and thus cannot be presumed to have been incurred in service.

The Board has determined that additional development is needed for the issues of service connection for bilateral hearing loss, tinnitus, and sleep apnea. The Veteran's claim for a compensable rating for an anaphylactic bee sting allergy and TDIU are also remanded.

The Veteran's bilateral hearing loss is currently rated at 80 percent, effective from the date of the June 2016 VA examination.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's tinnitus is etiologically related to his period of active service and granted service connection for this condition. The issue of bilateral hearing loss remains pending as it was not addressed in the decision.

The Veteran's right ear hearing loss disability is being remanded for additional development, including a new VA audiological examination and obtaining outstanding treatment records.

The Board determined that service connection is not warranted for bilateral hearing loss or tinnitus due to lack of evidence linking these conditions to active duty.,Service connection was also denied for a dental condition, as there was no indication of compensable disability and the Veteran did not meet eligibility criteria under any specific class.

The Board has determined that new and material evidence has not been received to reopen the Veteran's claim of entitlement to service connection for bilateral hearing loss.

The Board has granted service connection for the Veteran's right ear hearing loss disability, finding that it is not due to any in-service event or exposure.

The Board has reopened the Veteran's claim of service connection for right ear hearing loss and finds that new evidence received since the final denial shows a current right ear hearing loss disability. However, the preponderance of the evidence is against a finding that this disability is related to his military service.

The Veteran withdrew his appeal for service connection for bilateral hearing loss disability before the Board could make a decision.

The Board finds that the Veteran's pre-existing bilateral hearing loss was not aggravated by service, and his tinnitus is due to in-service noise exposure. The claims for service connection are granted.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's bilateral hearing loss disability is not etiologically related to his active duty service and therefore denied his claim for service connection.