Hearing loss Board decisions

The Board has determined that the Veteran's hearing loss and tinnitus are related to service, while his other conditions have not been established as being due to or a result of service.

The Veteran's current bilateral hearing loss is found to be at least as likely as not caused by his in-service exposure to noise during active duty service, and the Board grants service connection for this condition.

The Board found that the Veteran does not have a current disability of bilateral hearing loss, as defined by VA regulations. The evidence did not show any in-service injury or disease related to hearing loss and no competent medical evidence linked his current hearing loss to service.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's bilateral hearing loss and tinnitus are related to service exposure, with reasonable doubt resolved in favor of the claimant.

The Veteran's left ear hearing loss is related to in-service noise exposure and has been granted service connection.

The Veteran's service-connected bilateral hearing loss is rated as noncompensably disabling due to the mild to moderately severe sensorineural hearing loss in his left ear, which does not meet the criteria for a compensable rating.

The Board has determined that the Veteran does not have right ear hearing loss for VA purposes and denied his claims of service connection for tinnitus, gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD), and a respiratory disorder. The Board found no evidence to support these claims.

The Board has determined that there is no current hearing loss disability as defined by VA regulations, and thus the Veteran's claim for service connection for bilateral hearing loss is denied.

The Board denied the Veteran's claims of service connection for bilateral hearing loss disability and tinnitus. The claim of service connection for an acquired psychiatric disorder, to include PTSD and depressive disorder not otherwise specified, was also denied due to lack of new and material evidence.

The Veteran's hearing acuity was found to be at its worst level II in the left ear and level III in the right ear during the appeal period, resulting in a noncompensable evaluation for his service-connected bilateral hearing loss disability.

The Veteran's employment is not considered marginal or in a protected environment, and his service-connected disabilities do not prevent him from securing or following a substantially gainful occupation.

The Veteran's hearing loss disability was rated at a 10 percent rating beginning August 24, 2011. The preponderance of the evidence supports this rating.

The Board has remanded the Veteran's claims for bilateral hearing loss and tinnitus due to a lack of proper notification for an examination, and the case is now returned to the AOJ for further development.

The Veteran's bilateral hearing loss disability was rated at 10 percent prior to June 25, 2012 and has been rated at 50 percent since that date.

The Veteran's bilateral hearing loss disability is currently rated at 40 percent, and the evidence does not support a higher rating. The Board finds that he is not entitled to an increased rating for his service-connected bilateral hearing loss.

The Board has granted service connection for asbestosis and bilateral hearing loss, finding that the Veteran's current conditions are related to his military service.

The Veteran's claim of service connection for hearing loss and tinnitus has been reopened, and both conditions are now considered to be related to his military service.

The Board has determined that the Veteran does not have a current diagnosis of bilateral knee disability or bilateral sensorineural hearing loss, and therefore service connection cannot be granted for these conditions.

The Veteran's claim for service connection for bilateral hearing loss and tinnitus is granted, while his claim for an increased rating for low back strain remains pending. His TDIU claim has been referred to the Compensation Director due to evidence suggesting he is unable to secure or follow a substantially gainful occupation.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's bilateral hearing loss does not meet or approximate the criteria for a compensable evaluation under any applicable rating code.