Hearing loss Board decisions

The Board has determined that the Veteran does not have a current hearing loss or tinnitus disability related to his military service.

The Board has determined that a remand is necessary to obtain an adequate VA opinion regarding the etiology of the Veteran's tinnitus, as well as whether it is aggravated by his service-connected bilateral hearing loss. The claim will be adjudicated following this additional development.

The Veteran's appeal is remanded due to the need for a new VA examination to assess the severity of his service-connected bilateral hearing loss disability.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's tinnitus is rated at its maximum allowable under VA regulations, and thus no higher rating can be assigned. The claims for service connection for hearing loss, DM, peripheral neuropathy of the lower extremities, and nonservice-connected pension benefits have been denied as there is insufficient evidence to support these claims.

The Board found that the Veteran's bilateral hearing loss pre-existed his active military service and did not undergo a permanent increase in severity during service.

The Veteran's bilateral hearing loss disability was initially rated at 10 percent prior to October 27, 2010 and subsequently increased to 10 percent from that date. The current rating of 10 percent is considered appropriate based on the exceptional pattern of hearing loss in both ears.

The Veteran's bilateral hearing loss was rated at 50 percent, and the Board has determined that a higher rating of 70 percent is warranted based on his current level of disability.

The Veteran's claim for service connection for bilateral hearing loss disability was denied. The decision on the GERD with hiatal hernia and bilateral foot disability claims is pending.

The Board found that the Veteran's right ear hearing loss was not incurred or aggravated by service, as there was no evidence of a significant change in hearing during service and post-service medical records did not show any complaints or treatment for hearing loss until many years after separation from service.

The Veteran's bilateral hearing loss disability was rated at 20 percent prior to June 10, 1999 and remains at that level thereafter.

The Veteran's appeal includes multiple issues related to his service-connected disabilities and new claims. The Board has determined that a remand is necessary for the issuance of a Statement of the Case on certain issues, including those involving sleep apnea and hemorrhoids/dizziness.

The Board has determined that the Veteran does not have bilateral hearing loss disability for VA purposes and tinnitus was not incurred in or aggravated by active service.

The Veteran's claim for an initial compensable disability rating for left ear hearing loss is being remanded due to the need for a new VA examination to assess the current severity of his service-connected condition.

The Board denied the appellant's claims for nonservice-connected pension benefits and did not address service connection issues. The decision is final.

The Board has determined that new and material evidence has been received to reopen the claim of service connection for bilateral hearing loss. The Veteran's current diagnosis of bilateral hearing loss is found to be related to his military noise exposure, and thus service connection is granted.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's hearing loss and tinnitus are not related to his military service, including noise exposure. The earliest clinical evidence of these conditions is from many years after he left active duty.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's bilateral hearing loss is caused by his active service and has granted his claim for service connection.

The Veteran's initial noncompensable rating for bilateral hearing loss prior to November 3, 2011 is denied as his hearing impairment did not meet the criteria for a compensable evaluation.

The Veteran's appeal is being remanded for additional development to obtain medical records and a supplemental VA medical opinion regarding his claimed conditions.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's tinnitus had its onset during service and is granted service connection. The issue of bilateral hearing loss remains pending as there are insufficient medical records to determine if it was incurred in or aggravated by service.