Hearing loss Board decisions

The Board has determined that the appellant's COPD, bilateral hearing loss, idiopathic peripheral neuropathy, and lung cancer are presumed to have been incurred due to exposure to chemical toxins and nuclear radiation during service.

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

The Veteran's claim for a total disability rating based on individual unemployability (TDIU) is being remanded due to the need for further development, including an examination and consideration of additional service-connected disabilities.

The Veteran's claim for a compensable disability rating for bilateral hearing loss was denied as his current hearing loss does not meet the criteria for any higher rating based on VA examination and audiometric testing.

The Veteran's claims for bilateral hearing loss and tinnitus are being remanded due to outstanding medical records and the need for a VA examination.

The Veteran's bilateral hearing loss disability is currently rated as noncompensable, and the Board finds that it does not meet the criteria for a compensable rating based on his current level of impairment.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's bilateral hearing loss and tinnitus are attributable to service, specifically his Reserve duty. As a result, both conditions have been granted service connection.

The Board found that the Veteran's current bilateral hearing loss is not related to his military service, as evidenced by normal audiometric findings at separation and no evidence of noise exposure during service. The medical opinions were against a link between the Veteran's hearing loss and his military service.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's bilateral hearing loss and hepatitis disorder are not service-connected, with the primary finding being that his preexisting hearing loss did not worsen during service.

The Board has granted the Veteran's claim of service connection for tinnitus. The issues of entitlement to service connection for left and right ear hearing loss disability are addressed in the REMAND portion of this decision.

The Board denied the Veteran's claims of service connection for a bilateral knee disability, right shoulder disability, and left foot disability. The issues of initial compensable evaluations for left ear hearing loss and right shoulder disability were addressed but not decided.

The Veteran's appeal has been dismissed due to his death. The Board cannot proceed with the merits of this claim as he is no longer alive.

The Veteran's claim for a higher rating for his bilateral hearing loss is being remanded due to the need for further development, including scheduling another VA compensation examination.

The Veteran is seeking an initial compensable evaluation for his service-connected bilateral hearing loss. The case is REMANDED to obtain a new VA examination and review of the claims file.

The Board found no evidence of a current neck condition, bilateral hearing loss, or tinnitus related to service.,VA determined that the Veteran's claims for these conditions were not supported by competent and credible evidence.

The Veteran's bilateral hearing loss was not incurred or aggravated by service, and the Board finds that it is not related to his military service. The VA examiner opined that the hearing loss may be due to noise exposure during hunting as a civilian and/or presbycusis.

The Veteran's appeal is being remanded to the RO for scheduling a video-conference hearing. The remaining issues on appeal include reopening and service connection claims, as well as rating increases.

The Board denied the Veteran's claims for an effective date prior to January 9, 2005 for a 10% disability rating for tinnitus and for a compensable evaluation for bilateral hearing loss. The effective date of the award for tinnitus was fixed at January 9, 2005, based on liberalizing changes in VA regulations. For hearing loss, there is no assigned rating or effective date.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's bilateral hearing loss and tinnitus are not related to his active duty service, as there is no evidence of any complaints or diagnoses during service and no indication of a continuity of symptomatology. The preponderance of the evidence does not support these claims.

The Veteran's appeal of service connection for bilateral hearing loss is remanded due to the need for a medical opinion regarding whether his current hearing loss disability is related to noise exposure during service.