Hearing loss Board decisions

The Board has determined that the Veteran's current bilateral hearing loss and tinnitus disabilities are related to his military service, including noise exposure during active duty.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's current bilateral hearing loss disability had onset during his active duty and is related to noise exposure in service. Therefore, the claim for service connection for a bilateral hearing loss disability is granted.

The Board found that the Veteran's preexisting left ear sensorineural hearing loss did not increase in severity during active service, and thus denied service connection for this condition.

The Board denied the Veteran's claims of service connection for bilateral hearing loss, disability manifested by light headedness, and disability manifested by chronic fatigue due to lack of evidence showing a nexus between these conditions and service.

The Board denied the Veteran's claims for earlier effective dates for a 10% rating for bilateral hearing loss and service connection for tinnitus, finding no evidence of intent to apply for these benefits prior to October 17, 2008.

The Board denied the Veteran's claims for service connection for left ear hearing loss and an initial compensable rating for right ear hearing loss disability, finding that there was no evidence to support a link between his current hearing loss disabilities and service.

The Board denied the Veteran's claims for service connection for various conditions, finding that there was no current disability or evidence of a chronic condition during service. The Veteran's testimony regarding his symptoms and treatment were considered but did not meet the criteria for service connection.

The Veteran's cervical strain was incurred in service and is granted service connection. Bilateral hearing loss disability has not been shown during the appeal period, thus denial of service connection. Lung scarring due to pneumonia was also incurred in service and is granted service connection.

The Veteran's claim for service connection for tinnitus has been granted. The issues of service connection for bilateral hearing loss, PTSD, and right shoulder osteoarthritis are still pending and require additional development.

The Board has determined that new and material evidence has been received to reopen the Veteran's claims for service connection for bilateral hearing loss and tinnitus. The Veteran was exposed to noise during his military service, which is presumed to have caused or aggravated his current hearing conditions.

The Veteran's service-connected prostate cancer and related incontinence residuals have effectively resulted in loss of both lower extremities such as to preclude locomotion without the aid of braces, crutches, canes, or a wheelchair. As such, he is entitled to specially adapted housing.

The Board found that the Veteran's hearing loss and tinnitus did not manifest during service or to a compensable degree within one year after discharge, and thus could not be presumed. The VA audiologist concluded that the current hearing loss is more likely due to occupational noise exposure and presbyacusis, while Mr. Lind opined it was at least as likely as not related to in-service noise exposure. For tinnitus, there was no service connection found.

The Veteran's claim for service connection for sinusitis has been denied. The Board found that the Veteran does not now have, and indeed has not had, sinusitis. His claim for an initial rating higher than 60 percent for atopic dermatitis with chronic urticaria remains part of this matter but was granted with a maximum schedular rating.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's bilateral hearing loss and tinnitus are related to his military service, with all reasonable doubt resolved in favor of the Veteran.

The Veteran's appeal has been dismissed as the appellant withdrew his appeal prior to a decision being made.

The Board has determined that a remand is necessary to obtain an addendum opinion regarding the nature and etiology of the Veteran's right ear hearing loss and tinnitus, as well as to provide proper VCAA notice regarding the secondary aspect of his claim for service connection for tinnitus. Additionally, all outstanding treatment records from the Nashville VA Medical Center dated from October 2010 to the present should be obtained.

The Veteran's claim for a higher rating for his lumbar spine disability was granted. The claims for service connection for tinnitus and hearing loss were reopened based on new evidence submitted since the previous decisions.

The Veteran's hearing loss is currently rated as noncompensable, and the Board finds no evidence to support a higher rating.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's bilateral hearing loss and tinnitus are related to his in-service noise exposure, resulting in a grant of service connection for both conditions.

The Board denied the Veteran's claims of service connection for a back disability and an initial compensable evaluation for bilateral hearing loss, finding that there was no evidence linking his current conditions to service.