Hearing loss Board decisions

The Veteran's appeal is being remanded for additional development of his medical records, including those from a private ENT and VA providers. The claim will be reconsidered after the new evidence is obtained.

The Board has remanded the case due to incomplete records and needs further development before a final decision can be made.

The Veteran's appeal is being remanded for additional development, including review of the claims file by a psychologist and consideration of an additional statement submitted by the Veteran.

The Veteran's bilateral hearing loss, at its worst, was rated as 50 percent disabling beginning November 29, 2012. Prior to this date, the disability had been rated noncompensable.

The Veteran's claims for diabetes mellitus, glaucoma, pituitary testicular disorder and vertigo have been denied as they are not related to service or a service-connected disability.,Service connection has been denied for diabetes mellitus due to lack of evidence linking it to herbicide exposure in Vietnam. Glaucoma, pituitary testicular disorder and vertigo were also not found to be directly related to service.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's right ear hearing loss is service-connected, as it is more likely than not related to his in-service noise exposure. The left ear hearing loss does not meet VA criteria for a disability. Service connection for residuals of vasectomy is denied due to lack of current evidence of any residual condition.

The Veteran's bilateral hearing loss and tinnitus are found to be related to in-service noise exposure, warranting service connection for both conditions.

The Veteran's appeal is being remanded to the RO for scheduling a Board hearing at his local Regional Office. The issues of entitlement to service connection for bilateral hearing loss and tinnitus are pending.

The Veteran's appeal is being remanded for further development, including obtaining medical records and scheduling VA examinations to determine the etiology of his hearing loss in the right ear and low back disorder.

The Veteran's claim for a higher evaluation for PTSD was granted, and he is now rated at 50 percent. The TDIU claim was also granted.

The Board has determined that new and material evidence has been submitted to reopen the Veteran's claim of service connection for bilateral hearing loss. The Board also finds that the Veteran's current bilateral hearing loss is related to his active duty service.

The Veteran's claims for bilateral hearing loss and tinnitus are being remanded due to the need for additional medical examination and opinion.

The Veteran's service-connected bilateral hearing loss was evaluated as noncompensable, with the most recent audiometric testing showing Level III hearing acuity in both ears. The current rating is appropriate given the severity of his condition.

The Veteran's combined disability rating is 70 percent, which meets the criteria for a TDIU under VA regulations.

The Veteran's appeal is being remanded for additional development, including obtaining medical records and scheduling the Veteran for VA examinations to assess his service-connected disabilities.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's current bilateral hearing loss and tinnitus are not related to service, including noise exposure during military service. The preponderance of evidence is against both claims for service connection.

The Board found that the Veteran's current bilateral hearing loss did not develop as a result of his in-service noise exposure and is not related to service. As such, service connection for bilateral hearing loss was denied.

The Board found that the Veteran does not have a current diagnosis of PTSD and denied his claim for service connection. For hearing loss, the evidence did not meet the criteria for a disability as defined by VA regulations.

The Veteran's appeal for an increased rating for service-connected bilateral hearing loss was denied by the Board, as there is no evidence of an exceptional pattern of hearing loss or other unique circumstances that would warrant a higher rating. The current ratings are found to be appropriate based on the audiometric test results provided.

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