Hearing loss Board decisions

The Veteran's appeal to reopen service connection for bilateral hearing loss is granted. The case is REMANDED to obtain an addendum medical examination and opinion regarding the etiology of his current bilateral hearing loss, as well as his tinnitus.

The Board has granted service connection for headaches, bilateral hearing loss disability, and tinnitus. Headaches are found to be related to active service exposure. Bilateral hearing loss disability is found to be related to acoustic trauma during active service. Tinnitus is found to be related to the Veteran's service-connected bilateral hearing loss disability.

The Board has granted the Veteran's claim of entitlement to service connection for left ear hearing loss, finding that there is an approximate balance of positive and negative evidence regarding its etiology.

The Board found that the Veteran's left ear hearing loss did not have its onset in service and is not etiologically related to service. The Board also determined that his left ear hearing loss was not aggravated or caused by his tinnitus and/or right ear hearing loss.

The Board denied the Veteran's claims for increased ratings for his service-connected bilateral hearing loss disability and tinnitus, finding no basis to assign higher evaluations based on the evidence of record.

The Veteran's service-connected left ear hearing loss has been rated as noncompensable prior to August 7, 2006. The Board finds that the evidence does not support a compensable rating for this period.

The Board finds that the Veteran's tinnitus manifested as a result of noise exposure during his military service, warranting service connection. However, there is no evidence of hearing loss for VA purposes.

The Board has remanded the case for further development due to the Veteran's request for a hearing. The original issues of entitlement to compensable ratings for bilateral hearing loss and arterial hypertension remain pending.

The Veteran's bilateral hearing loss disability has been rated as noncompensable throughout the appeal period based on the audiometric test results provided. The Board finds that a compensable rating is not warranted for any period.

The Veteran's appeal is being remanded for additional development, including obtaining private and VA treatment records related to his hearing loss disability. The issues of entitlement to an initial compensable rating for bilateral hearing loss and whether new and material evidence has been received to reopen a claim for service connection for a respiratory disability will be reconsidered.

The Board has found that the Veteran's tinnitus is service-connected, resolving all reasonable doubt in his favor. The claim for bilateral hearing loss remains pending and will be remanded to the agency of original jurisdiction.

The Board has granted service connection for Meniere's syndrome, which includes hearing loss and tinnitus. The Veteran's left wrist condition and skin condition are remanded for further examination.

The Veteran's claim for service connection for a left ear disorder, characterized by hearing loss, dizziness and nausea is being remanded due to the need for additional examinations and development of her claims.

The Board has granted service connection for PTSD, finding that the Veteran's current condition is at least in part due to military sexual trauma. Service connection was also granted for bilateral hearing loss and pes planus (fallen arches).

The Veteran's bilateral hearing loss is attributable to in-service acoustic trauma, and the Board finds service connection for this condition.

The Veteran's hearing loss and prostate condition were not shown to be related to service.,VA has made reasonable efforts to obtain relevant records, but the STRs are unavailable.

The Veteran's tinnitus is found to be related to his military service, and the Board grants service connection for this condition. The hearing loss claim remains pending as further development is needed. The psychiatric disorder claim also remains pending due to insufficient evidence of record.

The Board has remanded the case due to incomplete information regarding the Veteran's income and net worth for the relevant appeal period from April 2009. The Veteran is required to submit Improved Pension Eligibility Verification Reports and supporting documentation.

The Board has reopened the Veteran's claims for service connection for bilateral hearing loss and tinnitus, but denied these claims on their merits. The claim for a respiratory/pulmonary disorder remains denied.