Hearing loss Board decisions

The Board has determined that service connection is not warranted for bilateral hearing loss disability, perforated ear drums, or recurrent ear infections as there is no evidence of current disabilities related to active service.

The Veteran's hearing loss has not met the criteria for a higher rating than 50 percent before October 4, 2011 and has not met the criteria for a higher rating than 60 percent since that date.

The Board has determined that new and material evidence has been received to reopen the Veteran's claim for service connection for bilateral hearing loss. The criteria for establishing service connection have also been met, with the opinion of a medical expert suggesting a link between the Veteran's current hearing loss and his in-service noise exposure.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's bilateral hearing loss disability is etiologically related to his active service, and thus service connection for this condition is granted.

The Board has remanded the case due to insufficient evidence regarding the current severity of the Veteran's bilateral hearing loss disability. A new VA audiological examination is needed to assess this condition.

The Veteran's bilateral hearing loss disability is manifested by no more than level II hearing impairment in the left ear and level I hearing in the right ear at any time during the appeal period, warranting a noncompensable rating.

Service connection was granted for a bilateral knee disorder, but service connection remains denied for cervical spine disorder and hearing loss.,A higher rating is sought for the low back disability.

The Board has remanded the case for further development to ensure full compliance with its instructions regarding etiological opinions.

The Veteran's initial claim for an initial compensable evaluation for bilateral hearing loss was denied as his disability did not meet the criteria for a compensable rating under VA's Schedule for Rating Disabilities.

The Veteran's claim for service connection for right ear hearing loss is denied as there is no current disability meeting VA criteria.

The Veteran's bilateral hearing loss disability is related to his active service, and the Board finds in favor of granting service connection for this condition.

The Veteran's appeal is being remanded due to a request for a postponement of his Travel Board hearing. The issues related to increased rating for left knee injury, service connection for bilateral hearing loss, and TDIU are still pending.

The Board has granted service connection for bilateral hearing loss and tinnitus, finding that the Veteran's current conditions are due to his active service.,Service connection was also granted for residuals of ulcerative colitis, with a presumption based on asbestos exposure.

The Veteran's appeal is being remanded due to inadequate medical opinions regarding his service-connected conditions and the impact of those conditions on his employability. Additional development, including VA examinations, is required.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's bilateral hearing loss and tinnitus are service-connected, with the increase in severity during service being considered as aggravation of a pre-existing condition.

The Veteran withdrew his appeal for the issues of entitlement to service connection for a right knee disability and bilateral hearing loss disability, as well as an increased rating for migraine headaches. The Board dismissed these issues due to withdrawal.

The Board has determined that the Veteran does not have a current disability of bilateral hearing loss for VA purposes and thus, service connection is denied.

The Veteran's service-connected disabilities render him unable to secure or follow substantially gainful employment, and the Board finds that he meets the schedular criteria for a TDIU.

The Board denied the Veteran's claims of service connection for diabetes mellitus, ischemic heart disease, peripheral neuropathy of the upper and lower extremities, bilateral hearing loss, and tinnitus due to exposure to Agent Orange. The evidence did not support a finding that the Veteran was exposed to herbicides in Vietnam or had chronic symptoms related to these conditions during service.