Hearing loss Board decisions

The Veteran's claims for increased ratings for bilateral hearing loss, bilateral plantar fasciitis, and restless leg syndrome have been denied as the evidence does not support a compensable rating or any increase in disability.

The Veteran's left ear hearing loss with loss of balance is denied as it was not caused by carelessness, negligence, lack of proper skill, error in judgment or similar instance on the part of VA in furnishing hospital care, medical or surgical treatment, or examination.

The Veteran's service-connected bilateral hearing loss has been rated as noncompensable since March 27, 2007. The most probative evidence indicates the Veteran's hearing loss has been manifested by Level II hearing loss in the right ear and Level I hearing loss in the left ear at worst.

The Veteran's claim for service connection for bilateral hearing loss is being remanded due to the need for additional development, including obtaining VA medical records and providing VCAA notice.

The Board found that the Veteran's hearing loss and tinnitus did not manifest during service or due to noise exposure, thus denying service connection for both conditions.

The Veteran's appeal is being remanded for a VA examination to determine if his current hearing loss disability and tinnitus are related to service, including noise exposure and head trauma.

The Board has remanded the case due to issues with scheduling a VA examination and verifying the Veteran's address. The claim will be returned for further development.

The Veteran's claim for an initial compensable rating for bilateral sensorineural hearing loss is being remanded due to the need for clarification regarding the use of the Maryland CNC speech discrimination test in a June 2011 audiological report.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's sleep apnea and bilateral hearing loss are not related to his military service, and thus denied both claims. The Veteran is therefore not entitled to an initial compensable evaluation for either condition.

The Veteran's claims for service connection for left ear hearing loss and a psychiatric disorder (claimed as PTSD) were denied due to lack of evidence linking these conditions to his active military service.

The Board finds that the Veteran's bilateral hearing loss disability was not incurred in or aggravated by active service and therefore denied his claim.

The Board denied the Veteran's claims for service connection for bilateral hearing loss, COPD, and a skin condition. The decision is based on lack of evidence of exposure to herbicide agents (Agent Orange) during his active service.

The Board has determined that new and material evidence has been received to reopen the claim of service connection for a psychiatric disorder. Service connection is granted for low back disability, bilateral hearing loss, and sinus condition (allergic rhinitis).

The VA examiner determined that the Veteran's current bilateral hearing loss is not related to his in-service noise exposure and resolved temporary hearing issues at entry, thus denying service connection for bilateral hearing loss.

The Veteran's bilateral hearing loss, insomnia, and variously diagnosed psychiatric disorder are all service-connected. The Veteran is assigned a 100% rating for his psychiatric disorder.

The Veteran does not have a current hearing loss disability for VA compensation purposes. The Board finds that service connection is not warranted for bilateral hearing loss.

The Veteran's claims for service connection for hearing loss, lower back disorder, weight loss as an undiagnosed illness, and joint pain as an undiagnosed illness have all been denied. The Board found no evidence of current disabilities or a causal link to service.

The Board found that the Veteran's service-connected bilateral hearing loss has remained stable and warrants a zero percent rating for the entire appeal period.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's bilateral hearing loss, tinnitus, and right shoulder disability are related to his military service. Service connection is granted for these conditions.

The Board has decided to remand the case for a new VA audiological examination and opinion regarding the Veteran's left ear hearing loss, including whether it is at least as likely as not that the preexisting condition worsened during service or was caused by service-connected tinnitus.