Hearing loss Board decisions

The Veteran's service-connected bilateral hearing loss and tinnitus have been rated as noncompensable and 10 percent, respectively. The Board finds that the evidence does not support a compensable rating for his bilateral hearing loss or a rating in excess of 10 percent for his tinnitus.

The Board has granted the Veteran's claim to reopen previously denied claims for service connection for hearing loss. The issue of entitlement to service connection for bilateral hearing loss is addressed in the REMAND portion of the decision and is REMANDED.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's current bilateral hearing loss is attributable to acoustic trauma exposure in service, and thus grants his claim for service connection.

The Board has determined that service connection for tinnitus is granted, but the issue of service connection for bilateral hearing loss remains pending and requires further development.

The Board denied service connection for bilateral hearing loss disability and tinnitus as the Veteran's hearing loss was noted at entry into service, did not increase in severity during service beyond natural progress of disease, and there is no evidence that his tinnitus began during or was aggravated by service.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's current bilateral hearing loss is at least as likely as not due to his military service, and thus grants service connection for this condition.

The Veteran's claims for service connection for TMJ, prostate disability (erectile dysfunction), hypertension, GERD, hematuria, and sinus disabilities are denied as there is no evidence of a nexus to his military service or herbicide exposure.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's tinnitus is related to his service-connected left ear hearing loss and has granted service connection for this condition on a secondary basis.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's current left ankle arthritis is related to his period of active service and grants service connection for this condition. The claim for bilateral hearing loss remains denied.

The Veteran's appeal is being remanded for further development and consideration of his claims, including obtaining VA treatment records from a Richmond VA facility.

The Board found no evidence to support a link between the Veteran's military service and his current hearing loss or tinnitus, thus denying both claims.

The Veteran's ischemic heart disease is presumed to be related to herbicide exposure during his service at Nakhon Phanom Royal Thai Air Force Base. His bilateral hearing loss was also found to have begun during active service.

The Board has denied the Veteran's claims for service connection for a back disorder, an increased rating for PTSD, and entitlement to TDIU. The appeal is dismissed.

The Veteran's service-connected bilateral hearing loss did not meet the criteria for a compensable rating during any part of the appeal period.

The Board previously denied the Veteran's claims for bilateral hearing loss and tinnitus, but remanded them due to insufficient evidence. The case is now being returned to the AOJ for further development.

The Veteran's claims for service connection are being remanded due to the need for additional medical records and examinations. The case will be returned to the Board for further review.

The Board has expanded the issue on appeal to include a central auditory processing disorder and is requesting an addendum opinion or new examination to determine if the Veteran has this condition and whether it is related to his military service.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's bilateral hearing loss and tinnitus are related to his active service, while Crohn's disease is presumed to have started in service.,Service connection for bilateral hearing loss, tinnitus, and Crohn's disease is granted.

The case is being remanded for an adequate VA examination where the Maryland CNC speech discrimination test is administered. The Veteran's bilateral hearing loss will be evaluated, and its impact on his daily activities and ability to work will be determined.

The Veteran's service-connected disabilities, including a mood disorder and hearing loss, have rendered him unable to secure or follow substantially gainful employment.