Hearing loss Board decisions

The Veteran's claim for an initial, compensable rating for service-connected bilateral hearing loss was granted in November 2007 with a noncompensable rating effective May 10, 2007. However, the appeal is dismissed due to the appellant's death.

The Board found that the Veteran's current bilateral hearing loss is not related to his military service, including his treatment for otitis media and tympanic membrane perforation, or any in-service noise exposure. The preponderance of evidence does not support a finding that the Veteran's hearing loss began during his period of active duty.

The Board found no evidence to support the Veteran's claim that his current bilateral hearing loss is related to service, and concluded it was more likely due to noise exposure in his civilian life.

The Board has determined that new and material evidence has been received to reopen the claims of service connection for tinnitus, hearing loss, residuals of typhoid fever, liver disease, sepsis, right kidney removal, and hypertension. The Veteran's tinnitus is found to be as likely as not attributable to his active military service.

The Board denied service connection for tinnitus and bilateral hearing loss, as well as residuals of lumbosacral strain. The Veteran's claim was not reopened due to lack of new and material evidence.

The Veteran's claims for service connection and increased rating for PTSD were denied. The claim to reopen a previously denied claim of residuals of right ear trauma was also denied.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's death was not caused by or a result of any service-connected disability, and thus denied the claim for service connection for cause of death.

The Veteran does not have a diagnosed bilateral hearing loss disability as defined by VA regulations, and therefore his claim for service connection is denied.

The Board denied service connection for a low back disability, finding that the Veteran's current condition did not begin during or as a result of his military service.

The Board found no credible evidence linking the Veteran's current bilateral hearing loss to his military service, including an April 1964 car accident. The claim for service connection was denied.

The Veteran's claims for increased ratings for bilateral hearing loss prior to June 15, 2010 and as of that date have been denied.

The Veteran's appeal is remanded for a new VA examination to assess the current severity of his service-connected bilateral hearing loss disability, and for additional development as requested.

The Veteran's tinnitus and left ear hearing loss are granted service connection. The right ankle disability, Haglund's deformity of the left foot, and bilateral knee disabilities are not found to be related to service.

The Veteran's claims for service connection and increased ratings were denied. The Board found no current evidence of a bilateral ankle disability, and the Veteran did not have any other disabilities related to his period of active duty.

The Veteran's service-connected disabilities, including bilateral hearing loss and tinnitus, do not render him unable to secure or follow substantially gainful employment prior to February 1, 2010.

The Veteran's service-connected disabilities do not prevent him from obtaining and maintaining employment, thus a total rating for compensation based upon individual unemployability is denied.

The Veteran has withdrawn his appeals regarding service connection for bilateral hearing loss, tinnitus, and an increased rating for low back disability.

The Board has determined that a new VA examination is needed to determine the nature and etiology of the Veteran's bilateral hearing loss disability and vertigo-like symptoms, as well as whether these conditions are related to service. The case will be remanded for this purpose.

The Board has reopened the Veteran's previously denied service connection claim for bilateral hearing loss. The issue of whether new and material evidence has been received to reopen his tinnitus claim is addressed in the REMAND portion of this decision.

The Board found that the Veteran's current hearing loss and tinnitus were not incurred or aggravated during his active duty service, thus denying his claims for service connection.