Hearing loss Board decisions

The Board found that the Veteran's pre-existing bilateral hearing loss did not worsen during service and thus denied service connection for bilateral hearing loss. The issue of tinnitus was also addressed, but as it is a separate claim from hearing loss, no disposition could be made.

The Board has remanded the case due to inconsistencies in the service treatment records and a need for an addendum opinion regarding the Veteran's hearing loss and tinnitus.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's bilateral hearing loss did not have its onset during service or within one year of his separation from service, nor is it the result of disease or injury incurred during the Veteran's active service. As such, the claim for service connection for bilateral hearing loss is denied.

The Veteran's current diagnosed bilateral hearing loss and tinnitus are not found to be related to service, as there is no evidence of in-service noise exposure or chronic symptoms during the presumptive period. The Board finds that the Veteran did not have a current disability at the time of his claims for service connection.

The Veteran's appeal for an initial compensable rating for bilateral hearing loss has been withdrawn. The Board does not have jurisdiction to consider this matter as the Veteran has indicated he wishes to withdraw his appeal.

The Veteran's claim for an initial compensable rating for bilateral hearing loss is being remanded due to the need for additional development, including a full audiological evaluation and consideration of functional effects on occupational functioning and daily activities.

The Veteran's appeal to reduce his hearing loss rating from 60% to 40% has been withdrawn, and the Board does not have jurisdiction to review this matter.

The Board has granted service connection for tinnitus and denied a compensable rating for bilateral hearing loss disability. The Veteran's tinnitus is found to have arisen during active service due to exposure to loud noise, while his hearing loss disability was not shown to be related to service.

The Veteran's initial claim for a compensable rating for bilateral hearing loss was denied as his service-connected hearing impairment did not meet the criteria for any higher evaluation under VA's schedular rating criteria.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's bilateral hearing loss is related to his service-connected otitis media disability and grants service connection for this condition.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's current bilateral hearing loss disability is related to his in-service exposure to aircraft engine noise, and thus service connection for this condition is granted.

The Veteran's initial noncompensable rating for left ear hearing loss remains unchanged, as audiometric testing has consistently revealed no worse than Level I hearing in the service-connected ear.

The Veteran's claim for service connection for bilateral hearing loss is being remanded due to the need for another VA audiological examination and opinion regarding the significance of any shift in hearing acuity documented during service.

The Veteran's bilateral hearing loss and tinnitus are related to service, with the Board granting service connection for both conditions.

The Veteran's appeal is being remanded to obtain additional medical records and provide new examinations for his psychiatric and hearing loss disabilities. The claims will be reconsidered after the requested development.

The Veteran's current hearing loss, tinnitus, cervical degenerative disc disease with disc herniation, headaches, and bilateral shoulder condition are not considered to be related to his active service.

The Veteran's claim for restoration of a 70 percent disability rating for service-connected bilateral hearing loss was denied as the reduction from 70 to 30 percent was proper based on consistent medical evidence showing improvement in his hearing acuity.

The Veteran's appeal is remanded for further development, including a VA audiological examination and Social and Industrial Survey. The issues include increased ratings for bilateral hearing loss and entitlement to TDIU.

The Board has determined that a new VA examination is needed to address the etiology of any right ear hearing loss disability and tinnitus, as well as whether these conditions are related to service-connected right otitis externa.

The Board has remanded the case due to the Veteran's request for a videoconference hearing.