Hearing loss Board decisions

The Board has reopened the Veteran's claims for service connection for a lumbar spine disability, bilateral hip disability, and bilateral hearing loss. However, the evidence does not support a finding that these conditions are related to service.

The Veteran's claim for higher ratings for his service-connected bilateral hearing loss and coronary artery disease was denied. The Board found that the evidence did not meet the criteria for a compensable evaluation for bilateral hearing loss or an initial rating in excess of 30 percent for coronary artery disease.

The Veteran's appeal is being remanded due to the need for a new examination of his bilateral hearing loss and clarification on whether he receives disability benefits from SSA. The TDIU issue is also considered inextricably intertwined with the hearing loss rating issue.

The Veteran's bilateral hearing loss and tinnitus are related to his active military service, and the Board has granted service connection for these conditions.

The Board has denied the Veteran's claims for service connection for left knee disorder, low back disorder, bilateral hearing loss, tinnitus, and an acquired psychiatric disorder. The claim for right pointer and right middle finger disorders with scars is addressed in the REMAND portion of this decision.

The Board denied the Veteran's claims for service connection for cold weather injury and bilateral hearing loss, finding no current disability related to these conditions.

The Veteran's tinnitus and bilateral hearing loss are found to have been incurred during service, thus service connection is granted.

The Veteran's claims for service connection for diabetes mellitus, tinnitus, and bilateral hearing loss are being remanded due to the need for clarification regarding his exposure to herbicides in Vietnam. The AOJ is instructed to obtain relevant VA records, SSA disability benefits information, and any additional private medical records from the Veteran.

The Board has decided to remand the case for additional development, including an audiologist's opinion on whether the Veteran's current bilateral hearing loss is related to service or preexisted service.

The Veteran's appeals for increased ratings for bilateral hearing loss and left knee osteoarthritis were denied. The Board found no evidence of exceptional patterns of hearing impairment or instability warranting higher ratings.

The Veteran's appeal is being remanded for additional development to obtain medical records and provide adequate examinations and opinions regarding his claimed conditions.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's bilateral hearing loss and tinnitus are related to service, with the latter being more likely than not due to combat exposure. Service connection is granted for both conditions.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's bilateral hearing loss and tinnitus are related to his military service, granting service connection for both conditions.

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

The Board has decided to remand the case for additional development, including obtaining updated VA examinations and ensuring all relevant records are considered.

The Board has determined that additional development is needed in order to properly adjudicate the Veteran's claims for service connection, including obtaining a VA examination and clarifying certain medical opinions.

The Veteran's initial claim for a compensable rating for his service-connected bilateral hearing loss was granted, and he is now receiving a 20 percent rating effective December 17, 2011.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's current bilateral hearing loss disability is at least as likely as not related to his noise exposure during active service, and thus grants service connection for this condition.

The Veteran has been granted service connection for bilateral hearing loss disability, which is considered a direct result of noise exposure during his active military service.

The Board has ordered a new VA examination to address the Veteran's claim for service connection for hearing loss. The case is now remanded for further development and readjudication.