Hearing loss Board decisions

The Veteran's appeal has been withdrawn due to satisfaction with the increased rating for bilateral hearing loss.

The Veteran's service-connected bilateral residuals of tympanic membrane perforation and bilateral hearing loss disability do not meet the criteria for a compensable evaluation under applicable rating criteria. The noncompensable ratings assigned are appropriate.

The Board has determined that the Veteran does not have a current left ear hearing loss disability for VA purposes. However, he is granted service connection for right ear hearing loss as it is at least as likely as not caused by or a result of military noise exposure.

The Board has ordered a new VA examination to determine if the Veteran's current bilateral hearing loss is related to his active military service. The case is being remanded for further review.

The Board has found that the Veteran's current left ear hearing loss began in service and has persisted since, granting service connection for this disability.

The Veteran's service-connected residuals of a fractured left ankle are rated at 10 percent, and his non-service connected right ear hearing loss disability is assigned a numeric designation of I. The combined numeric designations do not meet the criteria for a higher rating.

The Board has remanded the claims for service connection for bilateral hearing loss and tinnitus due to incomplete factual basis in the previous VA examination, requiring an addendum opinion.

The Board denied the Veteran's claims for service connection for a low back disability, bilateral hearing loss, and entitlement to increased evaluations for anxiety disorder and headaches. The decision also noted that the Veteran did not meet criteria for TDIU due to his service-connected disabilities.

The Veteran's current bilateral hearing loss is considered to be incurred during active military service due to noise exposure.

The Veteran's separation pay was properly recouped from his VA disability compensation benefits, and restoration of the recouped amount is denied.

The Board has determined that service connection is granted for bilateral hearing loss, tinnitus, and cancer of the tonsil wall, throat, base of tongue and salivary glands. The Veteran's conditions are related to in-service noise exposure for her hearing loss and tinnitus, and to in-service toxin exposure for her cancer.

The Board has granted service connection for right ear hearing loss and found that the Veteran's current right ear hearing loss is related to his in-service noise exposure. The claim for a compensable rating for right ear hearing loss was also granted, but the claim for a compensable rating for nasal disability (rhinitis/sinusitis) remains denied.

The Veteran's claim for an increased evaluation for tinnitus is granted. The issue of service connection for a right ear hearing loss disability is also granted.

The Veteran's bilateral hearing loss is granted as service connection due to in-service noise exposure and aggravation of a pre-existing condition.

The Veteran's bilateral tinnitus, left shoulder disability (reopened and granted), and right elbow disability are all considered. The hearing loss claim is still pending.

The Board found that the February 1994 rating decision denying service connection for hypertension, left lower extremity weakness, low back pain, hearing loss, cervical spine disability, depressive disorder, and headaches was not clearly and unmistakably erroneous.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's right ear hearing loss, left ear hearing loss, and tinnitus are related to his in-service noise exposure. The Veteran's preexisting right ear hearing loss was aggravated by service, while his current left ear hearing loss and tinnitus have been established as having onset during service.

The Board dismissed the appeal due to the death of the appellant.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's tinnitus is related to his military service and granted service connection for this condition. The decision on bilateral hearing loss remains pending as it was not addressed in the current appeal.

The Board found that the Veteran's bilateral hearing loss disability was not incurred or aggravated during service and did not manifest to a compensable degree within one year after separation from service. Therefore, service connection for bilateral hearing loss is denied.