Hearing loss Board decisions

The Board has remanded the Veteran's claims for further development due to inadequate examination and lack of discussion regarding noise exposure in service.

The Board found that the Veteran's current bilateral hearing loss and tinnitus disabilities were not incurred in or aggravated by active service, as there was no evidence of a nexus between his noise exposure during service and his current conditions.

The Board found no evidence of a right knee disability during service or within one year after separation, and the Veteran did not report any symptoms until many years post-service. The claim for bilateral hearing loss was denied as there is no evidence of chronic hearing impairment within one year of separation from service.,The Veteran's lumbar spine disability has been rated based on its current manifestations.

The Veteran's current bilateral hearing loss is determined to be caused by in-service noise exposure, and the Board grants service connection for this condition.

The Veteran's claim for a higher rating for bilateral hearing loss was denied, as the evidence did not warrant an evaluation in excess of 50 percent. The claim for TDIU due to service-connected disabilities was also denied.

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 in-service noise exposure or any other connection between the disabilities and service.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's current bilateral sensorineural hearing loss is not related to his military service, including any noise exposure. As such, service connection for this condition cannot be granted.

The Veteran's current bilateral hearing loss disability is found to be due, at least in part, to noise exposure during his military service. As a result, the Board grants service connection for this condition.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's current bilateral hearing loss and tinnitus did not manifest during service or within one year thereafter, and are not otherwise related to his military service.

The Board found that the Veteran's pre-existing bilateral hearing loss existed prior to service and was not aggravated by military service, thus denying his claim for service connection.

The Board has determined that additional evidence is needed to substantiate the Veteran's claims for service connection for bilateral hearing loss and tinnitus, including obtaining her missing service treatment records from February 2003 to May 2004 active duty period and arranging for a VA audiological examination.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's claims for service connection are not properly adjudicated and requires additional development, including obtaining updated medical records, scheduling VA examinations, and reviewing the claims file.

The Board has remanded the case for additional development, including obtaining VA treatment records and scheduling the Veteran for appropriate VA examinations to assess his service-connected disabilities. The claims of service connection for PTSD and traumatic brain injury are also being remanded.

The Board has determined that additional development is needed to properly adjudicate the Veteran's claims, including obtaining medical opinions and records.

The Veteran's claims for service connection for bilateral hearing loss and tinnitus are being remanded due to the need for a new examination to address his exposure to noise during service.

The Board has determined that the Veteran does not have a current disability for which service connection can be granted, as his hypertension was not shown to be related to service and he did not meet VA's criteria for financial assistance or specially adapted housing.

The Board has remanded the claims for service connection and rating of hearing loss due to additional development being required.

The Veteran's service-connected disabilities, including myocardial infarction, PTSD, tinnitus, and bilateral hearing loss, have rendered him unable to secure or follow substantially gainful employment.

The Board has determined that additional development is necessary before the claim for service connection for bilateral hearing loss can be decided. The Veteran's current hearing loss may not be related to his in-service noise exposure, but a VA audiologist will need to provide an opinion on whether it is at least as likely as not caused by his military service.

The Veteran's appeals for service connection for a colon disability, rectum disability, and whether new and material evidence had been submitted to reopen claims for an acoustic neuroma and skin disability have all been withdrawn. The Board has dismissed these issues.