Hearing loss Board decisions

The Board denied the Veteran's claims for increased ratings and service connection, finding that his herpes simplex did not meet criteria for a compensable rating due to constant or near-constant treatment. The VA examiner concluded that his hearing loss does not qualify as a disability under VA regulations. Service connection was also denied for depression, left shoulder arthritis, and bilateral hearing loss.

The Board has decided to remand the case for further development and an examination, as well as a review of service records.

The Veteran's bilateral hearing loss was manifested by no more than Level I for the right ear and Level II for the left ear, resulting in a finding that his disability did not meet the criteria for a compensable rating.

The Board found no evidence of a hearing loss disability at separation from service and insufficient medical opinion to establish a nexus between current bilateral hearing loss and active service. For tinnitus, the Veteran's statements regarding onset were deemed not credible.

The Veteran's appeal is remanded due to the need for updated VA examinations to assess the current severity of his service-connected bilateral hearing loss and scars, residual of hernia repair.

The Board has remanded the case due to incomplete service treatment records and the need for VA examinations to determine the etiology of the Veteran's claimed conditions.

The Board denied the Veteran's claim for service connection for right ear hearing loss, finding that there was no current disability as defined by VA regulations and thus not meeting the criteria for a compensable degree of sensorineural hearing loss.

The Veteran's combined service-connected disability rating is 80 percent, and the evidence indicates that his service-connected disabilities prevent him from engaging in substantially gainful employment.

The Board has granted service connection for bilateral hearing loss and tinnitus, finding that the Veteran's current conditions are at least as likely as not related to his in-service noise exposure.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's tinnitus and bilateral hearing loss were not incurred or aggravated during active service, nor may they be presumed to have been so incurred. The claims are therefore denied.

The Board has granted service connection for right ear hearing loss and sleep apnea, finding that the Veteran's current conditions are at least as likely as not related to his in-service noise exposure.

The Board has determined that the Veteran does not have a right ear hearing loss disability and therefore, service connection for this condition is denied. The issue of glaucoma was remanded but no further action has been taken.

The Veteran's claims for service connection for bilateral hearing loss and swelling in the groin were denied. The Board found that there was no evidence to support a finding of current disabilities or a causal relationship between these conditions and service.

The Board has granted service connection for left pronator syndrome, finding the evidence at least in equipoise as to whether it is related to active duty.,Service connection was not established for bilateral hearing loss due to insufficient evidence showing a nexus between current symptoms and active duty.

The Board has determined that the VA examination and opinion provided were inadequate, as they did not consider the Veteran's lay statements regarding in-service noise exposure and symptoms. The case is being remanded for another VA examination to address these issues.

The Board is considering multiple claims for service connection and reopening of previously denied claims. The Veteran's hearing loss, tinnitus, chronic pain due to burns, depressive neurosis, seizure disorder, and chronic sleep disorder are all under review.

The Board has directed further development due to the need for additional opinions and examination. The Veteran's claim of entitlement to service connection for a bilateral hearing loss disability is currently pending.

The Veteran's tinnitus was found to be incurred in service, and he is granted service connection for this condition. The Board also notes that the Veteran has bilateral hearing loss which may be related to his military service.

The Board finds that the Veteran has a bilateral hearing loss disability and tinnitus related to his military service, with an approximate balance of evidence in favor of these claims. The Veteran reported noise exposure during service and has provided credible testimony regarding his symptoms since service.

The Veteran's appeal is being remanded due to scheduling issues for a Board hearing. Service connection claims for ischemic heart disease, diabetes mellitus, PTSD, bilateral hearing loss, and tinnitus are pending.