Hearing loss Board decisions

The Board has granted service connection for the Veteran's bilateral hearing loss, finding that it is at least as likely as not related to his combat exposure during active duty in Vietnam.

The Veteran's bilateral hearing loss is rated as 20 percent disabling effective March 13, 2015. The Board found that the evidence supported this rating based on his audiometric test results.

The VA has conceded the Veteran's exposure to hazardous noise levels in service, but he does not currently have a hearing loss disability for VA purposes.

The Board has remanded the case for a new hearing before another Veterans Law Judge (VLJ) due to procedural issues.

The Veteran's service-connected disabilities have rendered him unemployable since October 19, 2010.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's tinnitus had its onset during a period of active service and is related to his military noise exposure. However, the Board found no evidence of hearing loss for VA purposes upon separation from service and denied service connection for bilateral hearing loss.

The Veteran's appeal is being remanded for a videoconference hearing before the Board of Veterans' Appeals.

The Veteran's lung cancer, presumed to be due to asbestos exposure during service, is granted for accrued benefits purposes.,The Veteran died of mesothelioma and lung cancer. The cause of death is considered service-connected.

The Veteran's claim for SMC benefits by reason of being housebound or needing regular aid and attendance was denied as he did not meet the legal criteria for either benefit.

The Veteran's claims are being remanded for additional development of his VA treatment records and any associated outpatient clinic records, as well as records from the NAMI-affiliated rehabilitation center. The case will be readjudicated after all new evidence is considered.

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

The Board has granted service connection for a loss of smell and assigned an initial rating of 20 percent effective from September 10, 2008. The Veteran's bilateral hearing loss is rated at 50% since October 3, 2011.

The Board has determined that a remand is necessary to obtain a supplemental opinion regarding the Veteran's claims for bilateral hearing loss disability and tinnitus, as the current medical opinions are inadequate.

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

The Veteran's service-connected disabilities meet the schedular criteria for a TDIU, and his claim is granted.

The Veteran's claim for service connection for diabetes mellitus has been granted. The claims of service connection for a psychiatric disorder, bilateral hearing loss, tinnitus, and cardiac disorder have all been reopened due to the submission of new evidence.

The evidence indicates that the Veteran's service-connected disabilities, including his hearing loss, prevented him from obtaining and maintaining substantially gainful employment prior to July 1, 2009.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's right ear hearing loss is not related to his military service and denied his claim for service connection.

The Veteran's claim for increased ratings for bilateral hearing loss and adenocarcinoma of the prostate was denied. The Board granted a TDIU rating effective from February 25, 2011.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's tinnitus began during service and has persisted since, warranting service connection. The case is being remanded for a VA examination to determine the etiology of his bilateral hearing loss.