Hearing loss Board decisions

The Board has remanded the case for additional development, including a VA audiologist or otolaryngologist's review and medical opinion regarding whether the Veteran's bilateral hearing loss and tinnitus are related to his service.

The Board has determined that the total rating termination effectuated by the RO by a rating decision of May 13, 2005, reducing the schedular evaluation for bilateral hearing loss from 100 percent to 10 percent, effective from August 1, 2005, was not undertaken in accordance with or on the basis of consideration and application of the provisions of 38 C.F.R. § 3.343. As a result, the total rating termination is void ab initio and the veteran's entitlement to a 100 percent schedular evaluation for bilateral hearing loss from August 1, 2005, to the present is restored.

The Board found that the Veteran's bilateral hearing loss and tinnitus were not incurred in or aggravated by service, as there was no evidence linking these conditions to military noise exposure. The pre-existing left ear hearing loss disability at entry into service is considered a factor against granting service connection.

The Veteran's PTSD is found to be related to his military service. His left knee disorder and bilateral hearing loss are not found to be related to his military service.

The Veteran's claims for service connection were denied, and the Board found that new and material evidence had not been received to reopen his previously denied claims. The decision also addressed other issues such as evaluations for various disabilities.

The Veteran's appeal is being remanded for additional development to verify his service dates and obtain relevant medical records.

The Board has denied the Veteran's claims for service connection for bilateral hearing loss and tinnitus, finding that there is no relationship between these conditions and his military service.

The Board has remanded the case for further development, including verification of stressors related to PTSD and a VA examination for hearing loss.

The Board has granted service connection for tinnitus, finding that the Veteran's reported history of ringing in his ears since service is credible and demonstrates both a continuity of symptomatology and chronicity of the condition. Service connection for bilateral hearing loss was denied as there is no evidence to support a finding that it was incurred during or aggravated by service.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's tinnitus is related to his active duty service and granted service connection for this condition. The decision on bilateral hearing loss was denied as there was no evidence of a current disability meeting VA criteria.

The VA determined that the Veteran's current bilateral hearing loss disability is not related to his military service, including noise exposure during active duty. The Board found no evidence of a hearing loss disability within one year of discharge and concluded that the Veteran's hearing loss began after separation from service.

The Board has remanded the case due to inadequate examination and opinion regarding the etiology of the Veteran's current bilateral hearing loss. The examiner was requested to address whether there is a likelihood that the Veteran's hearing loss in service caused his current condition, considering his history of noise exposure as a jet engine mechanic and ear trauma/infections during service.

The Board has received notifications from the Veteran requesting withdrawal of his claims for right ear hearing loss and non-malignant lipomas. The case is being remanded to the RO for further development regarding the claim of entitlement to service connection for residuals of a head trauma.

The Board has determined that the appellant does not have a current disability of bilateral hearing loss or tinnitus that is related to his active service. The evidence shows no in-service complaints, treatment, or diagnosis for these conditions.

The Board has remanded the case due to the need for a VA audiology examination to determine the etiology of any current hearing loss or tinnitus.

The Veteran's bilateral hearing loss is related to his active military service.

The Veteran's claims for service connection for various conditions were denied. The Board found no current disabilities for the claimed conditions and concluded that there was insufficient evidence to establish a link between any of these conditions and active service.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's PTSD, bilateral hearing loss, and tinnitus are due to service exposure. The appeal is granted.

The Veteran's service connection claims for alcoholic dementia, depression, lung disability (asbestos exposure), and hearing loss are all denied as the evidence does not support a finding that these conditions were incurred or aggravated by military service.

The VA determined that the Veteran's right ear hearing loss did not occur during service and is not related to his military service.