Hearing loss Board decisions

The Board has determined that the Veteran's current bilateral hearing loss and tinnitus disabilities are not more likely than not incurred in or aggravated by his military service.

The Veteran's combined disability rating was sufficient to meet the criteria for a TDIU due to his service-connected disabilities, including PTSD, bilateral hearing loss, tinnitus, and left ankle sprain with arthralgia. The Board found that these conditions precluded him from securing or following 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 active military service.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's current bilateral hearing loss disability is not related to his service, as there was no evidence of noise exposure or a hearing loss disability at separation from service. The preponderance of the evidence does not support a finding of service connection.

The Veteran's claims for service connection for bilateral hearing loss and tinnitus were granted with an effective date of July 18, 2012. The Board found that the original claim was received on August 6, 2010, and thus the earlier effective dates requested are not warranted.

The Board has remanded the Veteran's claims for additional development due to incomplete information and need for clarification of opinions.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's bilateral hearing loss and tinnitus are related to his active duty service, resolving doubt in favor of the Veteran.

The Board has determined that the Veteran does not have current hearing loss of the right ear, a back disability, a right foot disability, or a left foot disability. Therefore, service connection for these conditions is denied.

The Veteran's service-connected bilateral hearing loss does not result in the need for regular aid and attendance of another person or housebound status due to his other service-connected conditions.

The Veteran's appeal is being remanded for further development of his claims, including obtaining private treatment records and scheduling VA examinations. The TDIU claim will also be remanded as it is inextricably intertwined with the other claims.

The Veteran's appeal is being remanded due to the need for a VA examination at a more convenient location. The issues of entitlement to service connection for bilateral hearing loss and tinnitus are pending.

The Veteran's claim for TDIU is being remanded due to the need for a VA examination and medical opinion to address the current functional effects of his service-connected disabilities on his employability.

The Board finds that the appellant's current bilateral hearing loss is related to his service in the Air National Guard, specifically noise exposure during flight line work. As such, the claim for service connection for bilateral hearing loss is granted.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's current bilateral hearing loss and tinnitus are related to his military service, granting service connection for these conditions.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's bilateral hearing loss and tinnitus are not related to his military service, as there is no evidence of complaints or treatment for these conditions during service. The preponderance of the evidence does not support a finding that either condition was incurred in service.

The Board has granted service connection for tinnitus but denied service connection for bilateral hearing loss.

The Board has remanded the Veteran's claims for additional development due to outstanding Reserve service records and a need for a VA audiological examination.

The Board has granted service connection for bilateral hearing loss and tinnitus, finding that the Veteran's current conditions are related to his military service.

The Board has remanded the case due to a scheduling issue and will be reconsidered by the RO.