Hearing loss Board decisions

The Board found no evidence to support a connection between the Veteran's current bilateral hearing loss disability and tinnitus and his military service, including noise exposure.

The Veteran's service-connected disabilities have been shown to prevent him from securing and following substantially gainful employment, warranting a TDIU.

The Board has remanded the issues of service connection for bilateral hearing loss and tinnitus due to a lack of an adequate examination, and the need for further development.

The Veteran's bilateral hearing loss has been rated at 10 percent since January 2, 2007. The Board found that the evidence did not support a higher evaluation.

The Board granted the Veteran's petition to reopen his claims for service connection for bilateral hearing loss, hypertension, diabetes mellitus, and a skin disease. The claim for service connection for a psychiatric disability was not addressed as it is related to another issue.

The Veteran withdrew his appeal for an initial compensable rating for bilateral hearing loss.

The Veteran's bilateral hearing loss is rated at 20 percent since March 18, 2011. The Board finds that the current rating adequately reflects his disability.

The Board has determined that the Veteran does not have a current diagnosis of bilateral hearing loss as defined by VA regulation, and therefore, his claim for service connection for hearing loss is denied.

The Veteran's claims for service connection for bilateral hearing loss and tinnitus were denied as there is no evidence of a nexus between the conditions and his military service.

The Board has granted service connection for tinnitus, finding that the Veteran's constant ringing in her ears since the 1980s is related to military noise exposure. Service connection for bilateral hearing loss was not addressed as it pertains to a different issue.

The Board has reopened the claim for service connection for bilateral hearing loss and found that new and material evidence had been received. The Veteran's current bilateral sensorineural hearing loss is related to his military service, as evidenced by exposure to loud noise during active duty.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's hearing loss and tinnitus are not related to service, and therefore denied these claims. The claim for insomnia is also denied as there is no evidence of a current disability.

The Veteran is granted service connection for diabetes mellitus, presumed due to exposure to Agent Orange. Service connection for hypertension and hearing loss is denied as there is no evidence of a nexus between these conditions and his military service.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's bilateral hearing loss and tinnitus are due to exposure to loud noise during military service, and thus grants service connection for these conditions.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's tinnitus is related to his in-service noise exposure and finds it at least as likely as not caused by service. The bilateral hearing loss claim will be remanded for additional development.

The Board has determined that additional development is needed to properly adjudicate the Veteran's claims, including obtaining medical opinions and records.

The Board found that the Veteran's tinnitus, bilateral hearing loss, and hypertension were not incurred or aggravated by active service. The left knee disorder, right knee disorder, and left heel disorder did not meet the criteria for a higher rating.

The Veteran's PTSD with substance abuse was granted a 50% rating effective September 3, 2009. The initial compensable rating for bilateral hearing loss was denied.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's current bilateral hearing loss is less likely as not caused by or a result of military noise exposure, and thus denied his claim for service connection.

The Veteran's claim for an increased rating for bilateral hearing loss was denied. The Board found that the evidence did not meet the criteria for a disability rating in excess of 30 percent from July 8, 2008, but granted a compensable rating prior to this date.