Hearing loss Board decisions

The Board has determined that a remand is necessary to obtain an updated medical opinion regarding the Veteran's hearing loss and tinnitus, as the current opinion does not address the impact of his military service on these conditions.

The Board denied service connection for bilateral hearing loss and photoallergic dermatoses (skin disability) as the Veteran did not have a disease or injury related to these conditions in service, was not exposed to herbicides or ionizing radiation during service, and his current disabilities are not causally related to active military service.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's current bilateral hearing loss is not etiologically related to his service, and thus, service connection for this condition cannot be granted.

The Board has denied the Veteran's claims for service connection for a bilateral vision disability and bilateral hearing loss, finding that there is no evidence of an in-service injury or disease related to these conditions.

The Veteran's appeal has been withdrawn, and the case is dismissed as a result.

The Veteran's claim for TDIU is being remanded to allow for additional development, including a VA examination and consideration of the impact of his nonservice-connected disabilities on his employability.

The Board denied the Veteran's claims for service connection for hypertension, bilateral hearing loss, and tinnitus.,There is no clear evidence of record indicating that any of these conditions were incurred or aggravated during active service.

The Board has determined that the Veteran does not have a current hearing loss disability as defined by VA regulation and finds that any hearing loss he may be suffering from currently is not related to his military service. The same applies to tinnitus.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's right ear hearing loss is related to service, as it was noted at service entrance and aggravated during service. The left ear hearing loss issue remains pending due to insufficient evidence in the January 2008 VA examination.

The Veteran's appeal is being remanded due to the need for clarification of the etiology of his right ear hearing loss and a more detailed examination.

The Board finds that the Veteran's bilateral hearing loss is at least as likely as not related to his service, and grants service connection for this condition. The VA spine examiner did not provide a nexus opinion regarding the Veteran's lumbar nerve root entrapment or radiculopathy of the right lower extremity. A new examination by an appropriate specialist is needed.

The Veteran's bilateral hearing loss disability and tinnitus were not incurred in or aggravated by service. The VA examiners found no evidence linking these conditions to his military service.

The Board has determined that the August 2010 VA examination is not sufficient for appellate review and has ordered additional development, including obtaining medical records and scheduling a new VA examination.

The Board has remanded the case due to incomplete examination and lack of consideration of the Veteran's complaints regarding hearing loss and tinnitus from service.

The Board has determined that the Appellant's tinnitus was incurred in active military service and granted service connection for this condition.

The Veteran's initial claim for an increased rating for bilateral hearing loss was denied as his current disability level does not warrant a higher evaluation.

The Board denied service connection for bilateral hearing loss and tinnitus in August 2009, finding no evidence of a nexus to service. The claims were reopened but remain denied.,Service connection was not established for tinnitus as the evidence does not support a link between the condition and active duty.

The Veteran's claim for a higher initial rating for his service-connected bilateral hearing loss was denied. The Board found that the evidence did not support a compensable (greater than 0%) rating.

The Veteran's acquired psychiatric disorder, specifically depressive disorder NOS, is found to be related to his service-connected cervical spine disability. The issues of service connection for urinary tract infections and prostatitis are remanded as the evidence does not provide sufficient information on their etiology.

The Veteran's appeal is being remanded for a Video Conference hearing before a Veterans Law Judge at the RO, due to his inability to travel to Washington DC. The issues of whether new and material evidence has been submitted to reopen a claim of service connection for bilateral hearing loss, and entitlement to an increased rating for left knee chondromalacia are being considered.