Hearing loss Board decisions

The Board found that the Veteran's cervical spine spondylosis is not related to service and denied service connection. The right ear hearing loss claim was remanded for additional examination, but no new rating decision has been issued yet.

The Veteran's appeal has been withdrawn for the issues of entitlement to increased ratings for right knee disability, left knee disability, and bilateral hearing loss. The Board is remanding the remaining claims for further development.

The Veteran's appeal for an increased rating for bilateral hearing loss was dismissed. The Board granted service connection for residuals of a head injury, finding that the evidence is at least in equipoise as to whether the Veteran's current symptoms are related to his military service.

The Veteran's hypertension is proximately due to, or the result of, his service-connected PTSD. The Board grants service connection for hypertension.

The Veteran's PTSD was initially evaluated as 30% prior to July 17, 2013. From that date onwards, the rating was increased to 50%. The hearing loss claim has been withdrawn.

The Veteran's appeal is being remanded due to the need for a videoconference hearing before the Board of Veterans' Appeals.

The Veteran's claim for service connection for left ear hearing loss is being remanded due to incomplete records and the need for a VA examination.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's right ear hearing loss was not aggravated by service, and his left ear hearing loss and tinnitus are service-connected.

The Veteran's service connection claims for bilateral tinnitus and bilateral hearing loss have been granted.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's bilateral hearing loss is related to service, and thus grants his claim for service connection.

The Board denied service connection and a compensable evaluation for hearing loss in both ears, finding no evidence of current disability related to service.

The Board has determined that further development is needed to address the Veteran's claims, including verifying his National Guard service and assessing the nature and likely etiology of his left ankle disability. The Veteran's bilateral hearing loss claim will also be reviewed for a determination on its merits.

The Board found that the Veteran's current bilateral hearing loss and tinnitus are not related to service, including noise exposure. The claims for service connection were denied.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's currently diagnosed bilateral hearing loss and tinnitus are related to his active duty service, thus granting service connection for both conditions.

The Board has reopened several service connection claims and granted them, with some issues receiving staged ratings. The effective date for the award of PTSD is set at April 9, 2007.

The Board has determined that the evidence is at least in equipoise as to whether the Veteran's left ear hearing loss began during service and is related to noise exposure. As such, the claim for service connection for left ear hearing loss is granted.

The Veteran's right ear hearing loss is found to be related to service, but the VA examiner could not provide a definitive opinion without resorting to speculation. The case is being remanded for further examination and consideration.

The Board has granted the Veteran's claims for service connection for bilateral hearing loss, tinnitus, and Crohn's disease. The decision is based on direct service connection due to in-service noise exposure for tinnitus and a plausible explanation provided by the Veteran regarding his onset of symptoms.

The Board has granted special monthly compensation based on the need for aid and attendance of another person, as the evidence shows that the Veteran's service-connected disabilities caused him to be in need of regular aid and assistance.

The Board found that the Veteran's hearing loss did not manifest during service or within one year of discharge, and there was no evidence linking his current bilateral hearing loss to in-service noise exposure. The claim for service connection is denied.