Hearing loss Board decisions

The Veteran's claim for an initial compensable rating for his service-connected bilateral hearing loss was denied as the evidence did not show distinct time periods where the Veteran's disability exhibited symptoms that would warrant different ratings.

The Veteran's bilateral hearing loss is likely attributable to noise exposure during his military service, and the Board finds that it is more likely than not related to his time in the military.

The Veteran's claim for service connection for left ear hearing loss was denied as she did not have a current disability. The claims for the other conditions were also denied due to lack of evidence linking these conditions to her military service.

The Veteran's initial compensable rating for right ear hearing loss was denied, and his claim for service connection for basal cell carcinoma of the left shoulder was also denied. The Board found that there is no evidence to support a link between the Veteran's current condition and his active duty service.

The Veteran's service connection claim for bilateral hearing loss was denied as there is no evidence of a current disability resulting from in-service noise exposure.

The Board finds that the Veteran's bilateral hearing loss is not related to noise exposure during service and therefore denied his claim for service connection.

The Veteran's bilateral hearing loss disability was initially rated at 10 percent from November 4, 2005 to May 31, 2008. After a VA examination on May 31, 2008, the rating was increased to 20 percent effective March 5, 2008.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's bilateral hearing loss and tinnitus are related to his military service, with all reasonable doubt resolved in favor of the Veteran.

The VA determined that the Veteran's bilateral hearing loss does not warrant a rating higher than 10 percent, as his current level of hearing impairment is only at Level II on both ears.

The Board found that the Veteran's low back disability, residuals of a crush injury (including broken left leg and left ankle), bilateral hearing loss, and tinnitus were not incurred in or related to his active service.

The Veteran's current bilateral hearing loss is not related to service, including noise exposure in Vietnam. The Board finds that the weight of evidence does not support a finding of service connection for this condition.

The Board denied the Veteran's claims for service connection for hearing loss in his right ear and a compensable rating for his service-connected hearing loss in his left ear, finding that there was no evidence of in-service noise exposure or chronicity of symptoms post-service. The Board concluded that any current hearing loss is not related to service.

The Board has determined that a new VA examination and opinion are needed to determine the etiology of the Veteran's bilateral hearing loss, tinnitus, and skin cancer. Additionally, all relevant medical records must be obtained.

The Board has granted service connection for bilateral hearing loss, finding that the Veteran's current hearing impairment is more likely than not related to his in-service noise exposure. The low back disability claim remains pending as it involves a remand for further development.

The Board has denied the Veteran's claims for service connection for PTSD, bilateral hearing loss, and tinnitus due to lack of evidence showing a current disability or a link between his military service and these conditions.

The Board has determined that further development is needed to verify the Veteran's periods of active duty, ACDUTRA, and/or INACDUTRA. The case will be remanded for this purpose.

The Board has determined that the Veteran does not have a current diagnosis of osteoarthritis, chronic respiratory conditions, or bilateral hearing loss related to his military service. Therefore, these claims for service connection are denied.

The Veteran's major depressive disorder, bilateral hearing loss, and tinnitus are all found to be related to his military service.

The Board has determined that the Veteran does not have bilateral hearing loss attributable to his period of military service and denied entitlement to increased ratings for paresthesia of the right and left lower extremities, as well as a healed fracture of the ulnar, styloid, and navicular bone of the left wrist.

The Board has granted service connection for right ear hearing loss and found that the Veteran's left ear hearing loss does not warrant a compensable evaluation.