Hearing loss Board decisions

The Board has determined that new and material evidence has not been received to reopen the claim of service connection for bilateral hearing loss, resulting in a denial.

The Veteran's claim for service connection for bilateral hearing loss, tinnitus, and colon cancer was denied. The Board found that the evidence did not support a finding of direct service connection for these conditions.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's hearing loss and tinnitus are related to his active service, including exposure to loud noise from artillery fire. As a result, the claims for service connection have been granted.

The Veteran's initial rating for bilateral hearing loss was denied as his hearing acuity did not meet the criteria for a compensable evaluation.

The Board has determined that new and material evidence has been received to reopen the Veteran's claim for service connection for bilateral hearing loss. After a thorough review of all available evidence, including VA examination reports and medical opinions, the Board finds that the Veteran currently meets the criteria for service connection as his current hearing loss disability is related to his in-service noise exposure.

The case is being remanded to obtain a VA medical addendum opinion due to the inadequacy of the September 2010 VA medical opinion. The Veteran's bilateral hearing loss and tinnitus are not caused by or a result of military noise exposure, but there may be other factors contributing to their development.

The Board found no evidence of in-service noise exposure or hearing loss, and the Veteran's current bilateral hearing loss is not related to his active service. The claim for service connection for bilateral hearing loss is denied.

The Board has remanded the Veteran's claims for service connection due to the need for additional medical records and further examination.

The Veteran's appeal is being remanded to the RO for additional development of his service-connected bilateral hearing loss, including obtaining any outstanding treatment records. The case will be readjudicated after all necessary actions are completed.

The Board has granted service connection for hearing loss of the right ear, finding that it was aggravated by active service and there is no clear and unmistakable evidence to rebut this conclusion.

The Veteran's bilateral hearing loss was first diagnosed during active duty service and is considered to have been incurred therein. The Board has therefore granted the claim for service connection.

The Veteran was granted a higher 20 percent rating for his bilateral hearing loss as of April 16, 2008 (prior to July 31, 2012). However, he is not entitled to an even higher rating since July 31, 2012.,The Veteran's effective date for the increased rating was April 16, 2009. The effective date for a higher rating of 40 percent or more was July 31, 2012.

The Veteran's service-connected hearing loss was reduced from 90% to 20%, effective August 1, 2009. The RO provided the Veteran with adequate notice and opportunity to present evidence against the proposed reduction.

The Veteran's appeal includes multiple issues related to various disabilities, including hearing loss, elbow and knee conditions, spine disorders, foot problems, and a scar. The case is being remanded for further action.

The Veteran's appeal has been dismissed due to his death, and the Board does not have jurisdiction to adjudicate the merits of his claims.

The Veteran's bilateral hearing loss is rated at zero percent, the minimum rating available under VA regulations. The Board finds that a compensable disability rating for his service-connected bilateral hearing loss is not warranted.

The Veteran's initial claim for a higher rating for bilateral hearing loss was denied. The Board found that the evidence did not support a compensable rating from September 14, 2007 to November 30, 2010 and no higher ratings were warranted at any point during this period.

The Board has reopened the claim of service connection for bilateral hearing loss disability, but further development is needed to decide the merits of the case.

The Veteran's bilateral hearing loss was rated at 10 percent prior to August 28, 2009 and has been rated at 10 percent since that date. The Board found the evidence did not support a higher rating for any period.

The Board has determined that additional development is needed due to the need for an opinion regarding whether hearing loss and tinnitus had their onset during service.