Hearing loss Board decisions

The Board has found that the Veteran's tinnitus had its onset during his active service and granted service connection for this condition. The issue of bilateral hearing loss is remanded due to inadequate VA examination.

The Veteran's right ear hearing loss disability had its onset during his period of active service and is etiologically related to in-service exposure to hazardous noise levels. The Board grants the claim for service connection.

The Board has granted service connection for bilateral hearing loss, finding that the Veteran's current hearing loss disability is at least as likely as not related to his military noise exposure. The decision resolves all reasonable doubt in favor of the Veteran.

The Veteran's tinnitus is found to be etiologically related to his period of active service, and the Board finds that service connection for tinnitus is established. The issue of bilateral hearing loss remains pending as it was addressed in a separate decision.

The Veteran's appeal for a compensable rating for left ear hearing loss has been dismissed due to the death of the appellant.

The Veteran's claim for an initial rating in excess of 10 percent for bilateral hearing loss was denied. The Board found that the evidence did not support a higher rating based on the audiometric results provided.

The Veteran's appeal for service connection for bilateral hearing loss has been withdrawn by the accredited representative, and thus no further action is required.

The Board found that the Veteran's current bilateral hearing loss is not related to his military service, including noise exposure. The claim for service connection was denied.

The Board has remanded the case for further proceedings, including obtaining clarification and supplemental opinions regarding the need for aid and attendance based on service-connected disabilities. The claim is also being remanded to issue a Statement of the Case for issues related to service connection or the cause of the Veteran's death and entitlement to DIC.

The Veteran's service-connected bilateral hearing loss is rated at 10 percent on an extraschedular basis, and the Board has determined that a higher rating is not warranted.

The Board has remanded the case for additional development, including obtaining service treatment records and a medical opinion regarding the etiology of the Veteran's bilateral hearing loss.

The Veteran's radiculopathy of the upper radicular group of the left upper extremity has been granted a noncompensable rating effective August 26, 2010. The Veteran is not entitled to an increased rating for this condition.,The Veteran's radiculopathy of the superficial peroneal nerve of the left upper extremity was granted a noncompensable rating effective August 26, 2010.

The Board denied the Veteran's claims of service connection for right ear hearing loss, left ear hearing loss, sleep apnea, and a lumbar spine disability. The decision also dismissed his request to reopen his claim for right ear hearing loss.

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

The Board found no evidence of a low back disorder in service and concluded that the Veteran's current low back condition is not related to his active duty service. For hearing loss, the VA examiner could not conduct the required puretone testing due to cerumen obstruction.

The Board found that the Veteran's bilateral hearing loss is not related to his military service and denied his claim for service connection.

The Board has remanded the case for additional development, including obtaining records of the Veteran's service with the Army National Guard and Reserves, as well as opinions regarding potential exposure to herbicides and whether his conditions are related to service.

The Board has determined that additional development is needed for the Veteran's claims, including obtaining medical examinations to address his exposure to tetrachloride and in-service noise exposure. The case will be remanded for these purposes.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's bilateral hearing loss does not meet or approximate the criteria for a compensable disability rating during the appeal period.

The Board finds that the Veteran's left ear hearing loss was aggravated by service, while right ear hearing loss is not related to service. Service connection for aggravation of left ear hearing loss disability is granted.