Hearing loss Board decisions

The Board has determined that the Veteran's left ear hearing loss disability is not related to service and therefore denied his claim for service connection.

The Veteran's service-connected disabilities necessitate the need for regular aid and attendance of another person, as evidenced by his significant limitations due to his service-connected lower extremity disabilities.

The Board found that the Veteran does not have current diagnoses of cervical spine disorder, lumbar spine disorder, or bilateral hearing loss. The evidence did not establish service connection for these conditions.

The Veteran's claim for an initial compensable rating for bilateral hearing loss was withdrawn. The Board denied the service connection claim for hepatitis C as there is no medical evidence linking the condition to his military service.

The Board has remanded the case for additional development, including obtaining service treatment records and confirming periods of Active Duty Training Reserve (ACDUTRA) and Inactive Duty Training Reserve (INACDUTRA).

The Veteran's depressive disorder is related to his service-connected disabilities. His hearing loss and tinnitus are not related to service or any incident therein. The Veteran's left leg being shorter than the right leg is related to a service-connected disability.

The Veteran's appeal is being remanded to obtain additional information regarding his in-service duties and to provide a new VA examination to address the etiology of his bilateral hearing loss disability and tinnitus.

The Veteran's claims for service connection for hearing loss, tinnitus, PTSD, headaches, and depression were denied. The Board found that the evidence did not establish current disabilities or a nexus to service.

The Veteran's claims for bilateral hearing loss and a back disability are being remanded due to the need for additional medical examinations and development of his claims.

The Veteran's claims for service connection for a left hip disability and bilateral hearing loss have been denied. The TDIU rating claim has been granted due to the combined rating of his service-connected disabilities meeting the schedular criteria.

The Veteran's bilateral hearing loss disability has not been found to be more severe than the criteria associated with a noncompensable evaluation.

The Board has remanded the case for further development, including a supplemental opinion from the audiologist regarding the functional effects of the Veteran's hearing loss and its impact on his ability to work.

The Veteran's bilateral hearing loss and tinnitus are found to be etiologically related to his active duty service, with the Board granting service connection for both conditions.

The Board has determined that further development is needed, including obtaining VCAA notice for the eye disorder claim and accounting of compensation benefits paid. Additionally, a VA examination is required to determine if hearing loss is related to service.

The Board has granted service connection for bilateral hearing loss, tinnitus, and vision problems (cataracts, retinal detachment, glaucoma), including as secondary to diabetes mellitus type II.

The Board has determined that a VA examination is needed to address the Veteran's claims for hearing loss, tinnitus, and colon cancer. The Veteran will also need updated treatment records from his VA provider.

The Veteran's right ear hearing loss is currently manifested by level II hearing acuity, which does not meet the criteria for a compensable evaluation.

The Veteran's PTSD claim was denied, but he received a grant for his left foot injury. The claims of service connection for neck disability, left eye disability, and bilateral hearing loss were not addressed as they are not service-connected. Service connection was granted for ED secondary to PTSD and gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD), hiatal hernia, and irritable bowel secondary to PTSD.

The Board has decided to remand the case for additional development due to a lack of consideration of all pertinent evidence, including the Veteran's and his wife's reports of hearing aids in the 1980s and a change in hearing recorded from induction to separation.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's current hearing loss, hypertension, cervical spine DJD, and lumbar spine DDD are not service-connected as they do not meet the criteria for service connection based on in-service noise exposure or other established medical evidence.