Hearing loss Board decisions

The Veteran's bilateral hearing loss is found to be related to service, while his vertigo is not. Service connection for bilateral hearing loss is granted, but service connection for vertigo is denied.

The Board has reopened the Veteran's claim of service connection for bipolar disorder and granted it. The claims for bilateral hearing loss and tinnitus are remanded for further development.

The Board has determined that new and material evidence has been received to reopen the claims of entitlement to service connection for hearing loss, tinnitus, right wrist disorder, left wrist disorder, and left leg disorder. The Veteran's in-service exposure to hazardous noise levels is presumed.

The Board denied the Veteran's claims for service connection for hypertension and a rating in excess of 10 percent for bilateral hearing loss, finding that there was no evidence to support these claims.

The Board denied the Veteran's claims of service connection for heart disease, skin lesion, and bilateral knee condition due to his request for withdrawal. The claim for service connection for bilateral hearing loss was also denied as there is no evidence that it is related to active military service.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's bilateral hearing loss disability and tinnitus were not incurred in or aggravated by active service, and thus denied both claims.

The Veteran's attorney has withdrawn the appeal for a compensable rating for limitation of extension of the left knee and bilateral sensorineural hearing loss.

The Veteran's claims for increased hearing loss and service connection for hypertension were denied. The Board found that the Veteran did not meet the criteria for a compensable rating for his bilateral hearing loss disability, and there was insufficient evidence to establish service connection for his hypertension.

The Veteran's claim for an initial compensable rating for bilateral hearing loss is being remanded due to the need for additional development, including a VA examination and clarification of whether the Veteran wants a Board hearing.

The Veteran's service-connected bilateral hearing loss disability was evaluated at a 10 percent rating throughout the period on appeal, as his puretone thresholds did not meet criteria for higher ratings.

The Board has denied the Veteran's claims for service connection for bilateral hearing loss and posttraumatic stress disorder.

The Board granted a compensable rating of 10% for hearing loss prior to November 30, 2009, on an extraschedular basis.

The Board has denied an extraschedular rating for the Veteran's service-connected bilateral hearing loss, finding that the evidence does not show marked interference with employment or frequent periods of hospitalization due to his condition.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's right ear hearing loss disability was not incurred or aggravated by active duty, and its incurrence or aggravation during active duty may not be presumed. The claim for service connection is therefore denied.

The Veteran's bilateral hearing loss was rated at 70 percent from January 24, 2012 to May 11, 2015. From May 12, 2015, the rating increased to 100 percent.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's current bilateral hearing loss disability is etiologically related to noise exposure during his service with the Oklahoma Air National Guard, and thus grants the claim for service connection.

The Veteran's initial compensable rating for right hand carpal tunnel syndrome prior to March 16, 2012, and his service connection claims for left wrist carpal tunnel syndrome, skin condition (residuals of a skin condition incurred during service), and right ear hearing loss have been granted.

The Veteran's appeal is being remanded for further development, including a VA audiological examination to determine the current nature and severity of his bilateral hearing loss.

The Board has granted service connection for bilateral hearing loss and tinnitus, finding that the Veteran's current conditions are related to his in-service noise exposure during combat.

The Board found that the Veteran's bilateral hearing loss and tinnitus were not incurred in or aggravated by his active military service. The VA examiner determined that the current auditory findings of the Veteran are similar to those observed during his separation examination, indicating no significant change over time.