Hearing loss Board decisions

The Veteran's tinnitus was granted service connection as it is related to his in-service acoustic trauma. The claims for bilateral hearing loss, a right knee disorder, and peripheral neuropathy are remanded due to the need for additional medical inquiry.

The Board has granted service connection for bilateral hearing loss and tinnitus, finding that the Veteran's current symptoms are related to his in-service exposure to jet aircraft engine noise. The claim for residuals of a ruptured left ear drum was withdrawn prior to decision.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's bilateral hearing loss is related to noise exposure during his military service and grants service connection for this condition.

The Veteran's claim for automobile and adaptive equipment or adaptive equipment only has been granted due to the loss of use of at least one foot as a result of service-connected disabilities. The issue of reopening the sterility claim is remanded.

The Board has reopened the Veteran's claims for service connection for bilateral hearing loss, tinnitus, residuals of a right ankle sprain, and depression/anxiety. However, no effective date is assigned as the evidence does not meet the criteria for an earlier effective date.

The Veteran's claims for service connection for lumbar spine degenerative changes, blurred vision, and sleep disturbances have been withdrawn. The claims of service connection for hearing loss and tinnitus are granted.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's current bilateral hearing loss is linked to his service, including exposure to loud sounds during combat. As a result, the claim for service connection for bilateral hearing loss is granted.

The Veteran's claim for service connection for bilateral hearing loss is being remanded due to the need for additional development, including obtaining relevant private treatment records and scheduling a VA audiological examination.

The Veteran's claim for service connection for bilateral hearing loss is being remanded due to the need for a new VA examination and opinion regarding the etiology of his current hearing loss.

The Veteran's initial evaluations for tinnitus and bilateral hearing loss have been granted, but the Board finds that a higher evaluation is not warranted.

The appellant requested the withdrawal of their appeal for a compensable rating for bilateral hearing loss.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's claims for service connection for bilateral hearing loss, calluses of feet, hypertension, and a scar of the left eyebrow are denied as there is no competent evidence of current disabilities or a nexus to service.

The Board has granted service connection for Meniere's disease, to include manifestations of bilateral hearing loss and tinnitus.

The Veteran's chronic liver disability is not related to his military service, including herbicide exposure. The Board finds that the Veteran has a current diagnosis of tinea pedis (athlete's foot) and grants service connection for this condition.,Bilateral hearing loss was not caused by the Veteran's active service. Tinnitus was found to be due to acoustic trauma during service. Service connection is granted for these conditions.,The Board finds that the Veteran has a current diagnosis of throat nodules, which are presumed to have been caused by herbicide exposure in Vietnam. Service connection is granted for this condition.,Service connection is denied for residuals of a left leg wound and tinea pedis (athlete's foot).,Bilateral hearing loss disability was not incurred or aggravated during service. The Veteran has current bilateral hearing loss, which is presumed to have been caused by in-service noise exposure.

The Board has determined that new and material evidence has been received to reopen the claims for tinnitus/vertigo, chest pains, headaches, and possibly neck pain. The other conditions have not met this standard.,For bilateral hearing loss, no new and material evidence was found. For left knee, leg, and ankle disabilities, no new and material evidence was found either.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's bilateral hearing loss disability warrants a rating of 50 percent, effective July 1, 2010. The reduction from 70 percent to 50 percent was supported by evidence showing sustained improvement in his hearing acuity.

The Veteran's initial compensable rating for bilateral hearing loss has been denied as his most recent audiometric evaluations show no more than Level II hearing impairment in the right ear and Level I hearing impairment in the left ear.

The Veteran's shell fragment wound scar on the left arm is not rated compensably, and his bilateral hearing loss has been rated appropriately based on VA examination findings.

The Board has determined that a remand is necessary to obtain additional evidence and to schedule the Veteran for VA examinations to address his claims.

The Veteran does not have hearing loss, hypertension, rheumatoid arthritis, or a respiratory disability that was caused by his service.