Hearing loss Board decisions

The Board has found that the Veteran's lower back disability was not aggravated by service and therefore denied his claim for service connection. The hearing loss disability is being remanded as the February 2011 VA examination opinion relied solely on the Veteran's normal separation hearing test, which may be inadequate.

The Board has ordered additional development of the Veteran's claims due to incomplete service records and a need for VA examinations.

The Veteran's service-connected disabilities, including foot drop, diabetic neuropathy, and other conditions, have rendered him unable to secure or follow substantially gainful employment. The Board has granted entitlement to a TDIU with an effective date set by the RO.

The Veteran's appeal is being remanded due to the need for additional development, including a more recent examination for TMJ and scheduling of a DRO hearing.

The Veteran's appeal is being remanded for additional development, including obtaining updated VA and SSA records, as well as a new VA examination for PTSD and bilateral hearing loss.

The Board has granted service connection for left inguinal hernia and right ear hearing loss, finding that the conditions are at least as likely as not related to service due to noise exposure.

The Veteran's appeal to restore a higher disability rating for his service-connected bilateral hearing loss was granted, as the evidence did not demonstrate actual improvement in his condition.

The Veteran's hearing loss did not manifest during service or within one year of separation, and there is no evidence that it was caused by noise exposure. The Board finds the Veteran's recent statement regarding treatment for 'bleeding ears' to be less credible than the contemporaneous STRs.

The Veteran's service-connected disabilities, including bipolar disorder, coronary artery disease, hearing loss, diabetes mellitus, and peripheral neuropathy, prevent him from securing or following a substantially gainful occupation.

The Veteran's appeal is being remanded to obtain additional medical records and for further development. The issues include rating his anxiety and depressive disorder, increased hearing loss disability, left ear hearing loss, cervical spine, lumbar spine, right knee, ischemic heart disease, and allergic rhinitis.

The Veteran seeks service connection for bilateral hearing loss, which he claims was caused by noise exposure during service. The VA examiner found the evidence insufficient to establish a direct link between his current hearing loss and service.

The Veteran's PTSD is rated at 50 percent disabling, reflecting significant occupational and social impairment. The other issues are not addressed as the appeal pertains to service connection for PTSD.

The Board has determined that further development is needed to reconcile conflicting medical opinions regarding the etiology of the Veteran's current bilateral hearing loss and tinnitus. The case is REMANDED for a VA audiology examination.

The Veteran's appeal is being remanded due to the need for additional audiological examination and treatment records, as well as further clarification of his service connection claim.

The Veteran's appeal for service connection for right ear hearing loss has been dismissed as he indicated his intent not to pursue this issue prior to certification of the appeal. The case is remanded for a statement of the case on the issue of entitlement to a compensable initial evaluation for left ear hearing loss.

The Board has remanded the case for scheduling a hearing before a Veterans Law Judge due to the Veteran's failure to report to the previously scheduled hearing.

The Veteran's current bilateral hearing loss disability was incurred in service, as evidenced by a diagnosis of the same condition during active duty training prior to his regular active duty service.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's bilateral hearing loss and tinnitus are at least as likely due to noise exposure during service, and thus grants service connection for these conditions.

The Veteran's bilateral hearing loss is found to be related to his active duty service, and the claim for service connection is granted.

The Board found that the Veteran's right ear hearing loss existed prior to service and was not aggravated by service. The claim for left ear hearing loss is pending and requires additional development.