Hearing loss Board decisions

The Board finds that the Veteran's bilateral hearing loss is at least as likely as not caused by acoustic trauma sustained during active service, and grants service connection for this condition.

The Board finds that the Veteran's bilateral hearing loss and tinnitus are at least as likely as not related to his in-service noise exposure, while other conditions like right elbow and foot disabilities lack sufficient evidence of a service connection.,While there is conflicting medical opinion regarding the etiology of the Veteran's hearing loss and tinnitus, the Board leans towards finding that these conditions are more likely due to post-service occupational and recreational factors.

The Veteran's appeal is being remanded for additional development, including a new VA audiological examination and spine examination. The issues of rating for hearing loss and service connection for back disorder are the focus of this remand.

The Veteran's claims for service connection and TDIU are being remanded due to the need for additional development, including VA examinations.

The Board denied the Veteran's claims for service connection for bilateral hearing loss, a left leg disability (claimed as tingling), and irritable bowel syndrome. The Board also found that the Veteran did not meet the criteria for higher ratings for his right shoulder strain or lumbar degenerative disc disease.

The Board has determined that the Veteran does not meet the criteria for service connection for hearing loss or tinnitus due to lack of evidence showing a current disability, and there is no competent medical evidence linking these conditions to her active military service.

The Board has granted service connection for tinnitus as secondary to the Veteran's service-connected bilateral hearing loss. The issue of a compensable rating for bilateral hearing loss is being remanded.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's bilateral hearing loss and tinnitus are service-connected, with the latter being secondary to his hearing loss.

The Veteran's claims for increased ratings for bilateral hearing loss and postoperative fusion of the left ankle with shortening, as well as his claim for TDIU, are denied. The current disability ratings adequately reflect the severity of these conditions.

The Veteran's claim for service connection for bilateral hearing loss is being remanded due to the need for additional medical opinions and updated VA treatment records.

The Veteran's claims for service connection for right ear hearing loss and a higher initial evaluation for numbness of the left lower jaw, post-operative residuals of surgery to the mouth and jaw were denied. The Veteran does not have a current disability related to his right ear hearing loss as he does not meet the criteria for a hearing loss disability under VA regulations. For the numbness condition, the evidence did not support service connection on a secondary basis due to his service-connected jaw condition.

The Veteran's appeal is being remanded for additional development, including obtaining updated treatment records and scheduling a VA examination to assess the severity of his PTSD and its impact on his ability to work.

The Veteran's tinnitus was found to have likely had its onset during active service, and the Board granted his claim for service connection.

The Veteran's tinnitus was caused by in-service exposure to excessive and harmful noise during his service. The Board has granted the claim for service connection.

The Veteran's current bilateral hearing loss is found to be related to noise exposure during his military service, and the Board has granted service connection for this condition.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's bilateral hearing loss and tinnitus are related to his service, including combat exposure in Vietnam. As such, these conditions have been granted as service-connected.

The Veteran's tinnitus was found to have manifested during active duty service and is granted. The hearing loss claim must be remanded for further development.

The Veteran's service-connected bilateral hearing loss is currently rated at 10 percent from September 22, 2008. The Board finds that a compensable rating prior to this date and any rating in excess of 10 percent thereafter are not warranted based on the evidence.

The Veteran's service-connected bilateral hearing loss disability is currently rated as noncompensable, and the Board finds that his hearing acuity does not meet the criteria for a compensable rating under VA's rating schedule.

The Veteran's tinnitus, bilateral hearing loss, and onychomycosis were evaluated. The Veteran was denied increased ratings for these conditions as the current evaluations are deemed appropriate based on the evidence of record.