Hearing loss Board decisions

The Veteran's claim for an earlier effective date for the grant of service connection for bilateral hearing loss was denied as there is no evidence that he submitted a formal or informal claim prior to January 30, 2007.

The Veteran's bilateral hearing loss was rated at 10 percent effective July 29, 2009. Prior to that date, the disability did not meet criteria for a compensable rating.

The Veteran's service-connected bilateral hearing loss did not meet the criteria for a compensable rating during the appeal period.

The Veteran's left ear hearing loss is currently rated as noncompensable, with no worse than a Level II impairment of auditory acuity. The right ear is considered normal for rating purposes.

The Veteran's bilateral hearing loss disability is related to his military service and the Board has granted service connection for this condition.

The Board found no evidence of an increase in the severity of the Veteran's bilateral hearing loss and denied his claim for a compensable rating. The issue regarding compensation under 38 U.S.C.A. § 1151 was also addressed, but not specified as granted or denied.

The Veteran withdrew the issues of entitlement to service connection for pleural effusion, sleep apnea, hypertension; and entitlement to an initial rating in excess of 10 percent for service-connected right elbow status post fracture before the Board could make a decision.

The Board denied the Veteran's claims for service connection for right ear hearing loss, left ear hearing loss, and tinnitus due to a lack of evidence showing a current disability.

The Veteran's service-connected disabilities, including right bundle branch block, PTSD, bilateral hearing loss, tinnitus, and noncompensably rated left fifth metacarpal finger fracture residuals and scar of the left palm, preclude gainful employment. The Board finds that a TDIU rating is granted.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's bilateral hearing loss was incurred in service and granted service connection. The issue of a bilateral foot disorder is pending as it appears to be related to pre-existing conditions, but further evidence is needed.

The Board denied the Veteran's claims for service connection for hearing loss and tinnitus, finding that there was no evidence linking these conditions to his military service.

The Board found that the Veteran's disequilibrium was not related to his active service and denied his claim for service connection.

The Veteran's appeal is being remanded for a VA examination to assess the combined impact of his service-connected disabilities on his employability, and for consideration of any new evidence added since the last supplemental statement of the case.

The Board has remanded the claims for further development to ensure an accurate and complete record on appellate review, including converting service department audiometric readings from ASA units to ISO units.

The Veteran's appeal is being remanded due to the need for additional development, including a VA audiology examination.

The Veteran's claim for service connection for bilateral hearing loss, an acquired psychiatric disorder (to include PTSD), and type II diabetes mellitus was denied. The Board found that there is no evidence of a current disability meeting the criteria for a hearing loss disability under VA regulations.

The Board found no evidence of current right ear hearing loss for VA compensation purposes and denied service connection.,VA medical opinion concluded that the Veteran's neck injury is not related to his military service, and thus service connection was denied.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's current right ear hearing loss and tinnitus are related to service, including an incident during diving qualifications. The claim for service connection is granted.

The Board found no evidence of a nexus between the Veteran's current hearing loss and tinnitus and his military service, including acoustic trauma. The VA audiologist opined that the disabilities were not caused by or related to his military service.

The Veteran's claim for a higher rating for bilateral hearing loss was denied as his disability level did not meet the criteria for a compensable evaluation.