Hearing loss Board decisions

The Veteran's service-connected disabilities have rendered him unable to secure or follow a substantially gainful occupation, and the Board has granted a total disability rating based on individual unemployability (TDIU).

The Board has determined that additional development is necessary before the claims can be adjudicated, including obtaining VA treatment records and scheduling a VA audiological examination.

The Veteran's bilateral hearing loss is as likely as not related to his military service, and the Board grants service connection for this condition.

The Board has ordered a remand to obtain the Veteran's November 2004 audiological testing and will consider whether new and material evidence has been submitted to reopen his claims of service connection for bilateral hearing loss and tinnitus.

The Veteran's appeals for bilateral hearing loss, tinnitus, and a psychiatric disability have been dismissed as there are no remaining allegations of error in the determination.

The Board has determined that additional development is needed to obtain private medical records and VA treatment records, as well as to review the claims file for any errors in adjudication. The Veteran's claims will be remanded for these purposes.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's bilateral hearing loss and tinnitus are causally related to active service, with the Veteran's tinnitus being shown to have been incurred during active service with continuous symptoms since separation.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's bilateral hearing loss and tinnitus are related to his military service, with current evidence of in-service noise exposure. The claims for these conditions have been granted.

The Board denied service connection for right ear hearing loss as there was no evidence of in-service noise exposure or a current disability, and the Veteran's hearing loss is not shown to be related to his military service.

The Board has directed that the Veteran undergo additional VA examinations and review of his claims file to determine the nature and etiology of his claimed conditions, including hearing loss, tinnitus, burn scars, psychiatric disorders, and lung disorder. The case is REMANDED for these actions.

The Board has remanded the case for a more comprehensive medical nexus opinion addressing the etiology of the Veteran's bilateral hearing loss, particularly insofar as whether it is related or attributable to his military service. The claim will be considered again after the additional examination and review.

The Board found that there is no evidence to support a finding of service connection for bilateral hearing loss, as the Veteran's STRs are silent for complaints or findings related to hearing loss. The audiometric results did not show any hearing loss at the time of discharge and the Veteran specifically denied having ear trouble or hearing loss during his separation examination.

The Board denied the Veteran's claims for service connection for hearing loss, diabetes mellitus, and various types of peripheral neuropathy. The Board found that there was no evidence to support a nexus between these conditions and service.

The Board has determined that the Veteran does not have current hearing loss or tinnitus for VA purposes and thus cannot establish service connection. The claims for sleep apnea, depression, and Meniere's syndrome are remanded to obtain additional medical opinions.

The Board denied service connection for hearing loss due to the Veteran not meeting the definition of impaired hearing and there being no indication of an etiological relationship with military service. The claim was denied as new and material evidence had not been received.

The Veteran's claims for service connection for hearing loss and depression and adjustment disorder have been reopened, and he is granted a rating of 10 percent for mechanical low back pain. His right index finger fracture residuals are rated as compensable, and his foreign body in the left foot has also been rated as compensable.

The Veteran's claim of service connection for bilateral hearing loss has been reopened and is now granted. His current hearing loss disability is related to his military service, as evidenced by in-service audiograms and his military occupational specialty that had a high probability of noise exposure.

The Veteran's right ear hearing loss is related to his active duty service and the Board grants service connection for this condition.

The Veteran's claim for an earlier effective date for the grant of service connection for Meniere's disease with right ear hearing loss and tinnitus was denied as there is no evidence that she filed a formal or informal claim prior to December 2007, which is when her increased rating claim for hearing loss was received. The earliest possible effective date would be December 13, 2006, but the RO assigned February 26, 2007 as it was within one year of that date and indicated in a private treatment record that she had lost essentially all her hearing from the right ear due to Meniere's disease.

The Board finds that it is at least as likely as not that the Veteran's current tinnitus developed as a result of his active service. Service connection for this disability is granted.