Hearing loss Board decisions

The Veteran's appeal is being remanded due to his failure to appear for a scheduled hearing and the need to issue statements of the case for two issues.

The Veteran's claim for service connection for boils on the head was denied in June 2005, and no new and material evidence has been received to reopen this claim.,The Veteran's claim for service connection for bilateral hearing loss disability was denied in June 2005. New and material evidence has been received to reopen this claim.

The Board has remanded the case for additional efforts to notify the Veteran of his requested Travel Board hearing at his previous home addresses.

The Board has granted the Veteran's claim for service connection for a bilateral hearing loss disability, finding that his current hearing problems are related to in-service noise exposure and granting the benefit of the doubt.

The Board has decided to remand the Veteran's claims due to the need for additional examinations and records, particularly regarding his back disorder and bilateral hearing loss.

The Veteran's claim for service connection for bilateral hearing loss was denied in February 1973. The RO found that his hearing by VA standards was normal. A new and material evidence claim for tinnitus has been received, but the issue of an earlier effective date is pending.

The Veteran's appeal is being remanded for additional development, including an updated examination and consideration of his complaints of physical pain related to his hearing loss.

The Veteran's service-connected disabilities, including bilateral hearing loss, vertigo, coronary artery disease (CAD) status post stent placement, and diabetes mellitus type II, are sufficiently incapacitating to result in unemployability.

The Veteran's claim for an earlier effective date for service connection of bilateral hearing loss was denied as there was no pending unadjudicated claim and the February 2005 rating decision is final. The earliest possible effective date is April 30, 2013.

The Board has reopened the claim for service connection for a bilateral hearing loss disability and finds that it is related to in-service noise exposure. The Veteran's testimony explains his post-service occupational noise exposure, but does not negate his in-service noise exposure as an artillery surveyor.

The Veteran's appeal is being remanded for additional development, including a VA examination to assess the impact of his service-connected disabilities on his employability. The claims for increased PTSD and asbestosis ratings are also being considered.

The Veteran's service-connected inactive pulmonary tuberculosis is found to be the primary cause of his current chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, cardiovascular conditions (including coronary artery disease and hypertension), sleep apnea, right lower extremity femur fracture, left lower extremity femur fracture, anxiety disorder NOS, bilateral hearing loss, tinnitus, and back condition involving degenerative joint disease.,The Veteran's service-connected inactive pulmonary tuberculosis is found to be the primary cause of his current cardiovascular conditions (including coronary artery disease and hypertension), sleep apnea, right lower extremity femur fracture, left lower extremity femur fracture, anxiety disorder NOS, bilateral hearing loss, tinnitus, and back condition involving degenerative joint disease.,The Veteran's service-connected inactive pulmonary tuberculosis is found to be the primary cause of his current sleep apnea, right lower extremity femur fracture, left lower extremity femur fracture, anxiety disorder NOS, bilateral hearing loss, tinnitus, and back condition involving degenerative joint disease.,The Veteran's service-connected inactive pulmonary tuberculosis is found to be the primary cause of his current right lower extremity radiculopathy and left lower extremity radiculopathy.,The Veteran's service-connected inactive pulmonary tuberculosis is found to be the primary cause of his current anxiety disorder NOS, bilateral hearing loss, tinnitus, and back condition involving degenerative joint disease.

The Board denied referral for extraschedular consideration and denied service connection for right ear hearing loss. The Veteran's case is remanded to the AOJ for further development.

The Veteran's service-connected disabilities, including PTSD, lung disability, tinnitus, and hearing loss, have rendered him unable to secure or follow a substantially gainful occupation.

The Board has granted service connection for chronic obstructive sleep apnea, finding that the Veteran's account of a nasal injury sustained during active duty is credible and supports his claim. The other issues remain pending for further development.

The Veteran's bilateral hearing loss disability is manifested by no more than a level II hearing loss in each ear, and the criteria for a compensable rating are not met.

The Board found no evidence of a hearing loss disability within one year after separation from service and denied the Veteran's claim for bilateral hearing loss. For tinnitus, the Board determined that there was insufficient evidence to establish its onset during service or relate it to service.

The Veteran's claims for service connection have been granted, with the exception of some issues related to his prostate condition and sleep apnea. The decision also includes a determination that he is eligible for special monthly compensation.

The Veteran's appeal is being remanded for additional development, including obtaining relevant medical records and providing the Veteran with a VA examination to determine the nature and etiology of any hearing loss and acquired psychiatric disorder.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's tinnitus is related to his in-service noise exposure, and thus service connection for this condition is granted.