Hearing loss Board decisions

The Board denied the Veteran's claims for service connection of hearing loss, actinic keratoses, superficial basal cell carcinoma, detached retina, and cataracts. The evidence did not establish a nexus between these conditions and active duty service or herbicide exposure.

The Veteran's claim of service connection for bilateral hearing loss was denied in November 1973, and the Board has reopened it with new evidence. However, his current diagnosed bilateral hearing loss is not shown to be related to his period of active duty. The Veteran's back disability does not meet the criteria for a rating in excess of 20 percent.

The Veteran's claim for an increased rating for his service-connected bilateral hearing loss is being remanded due to the need for a new VA audiology examination and VCAA notice.

The Veteran's claim for service connection for sleep apnea was denied. However, he received a non-compensable evaluation for bilateral hearing loss from December 6, 2006 to March 4, 2009 and an increased evaluation of 10 percent effective March 5, 2009.

The Veteran's appeal is being remanded for further development of his hearing loss disability, including the interpretation and evaluation of recent audiograms. The case will be readjudicated after this additional development.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's bilateral hearing loss is service-connected, as it is considered to be a result of noise exposure during his active military service.

The Board has dismissed the appeal due to the appellant's withdrawal of the appeal on all issues.

The Veteran's left ear high frequency hearing loss is currently rated as noncompensable, and the Board finds no basis for a higher rating.

The Board finds that the Veteran's bilateral hearing loss and tinnitus are related to his military service, with resolution of doubt in favor of the Veteran.

The Board has denied the Veteran's claims for service connection for left ear hearing loss and a left knee disorder due to lack of evidence of current disabilities.

The Veteran's appeal is being remanded for additional development, including obtaining medical opinions to determine the likely etiology of his claimed conditions and whether they are related to service.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's bilateral hearing loss and tinnitus were not incurred or aggravated by his active duty service, nor are they otherwise related to such service.

The Veteran's claims for service connection for hearing loss and tinnitus are being remanded due to the need for additional development, including a VA audiology examination.

The Veteran's service-connected bilateral hearing loss is currently rated at 10 percent since March 3, 2009. Prior to that date, the claim was denied as there was no evidence of a compensable rating.

The Board denied the Veteran's claims for an earlier effective date for tinnitus, did not find new and material evidence to reopen his claim of left ear hearing loss, but found service connection established for a low back disorder. The other claims were also denied.

The Veteran's appeal is being remanded for additional development, including scheduling a Travel Board hearing at the RO.

The Veteran's claims for bilateral hearing loss and tinnitus are being remanded to allow for a VA examination to determine if these conditions are related to his military service.

The Board finds that the Veteran's right ear sensorineural hearing loss is likely due to noise trauma incurred during military service and grants service connection for this condition. The chronic bronchitis claim is denied as there is no causal link between the Veteran's rare episodes of bronchitis and any remote incident of service. The mechanical low back strain claim is also denied, with no causal link established. Lastly, the PTSD claim is denied due to lack of a current diagnosis.

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

The Board has determined that the Veteran's bilateral hearing loss is related to service, and thus grants his claim for service connection.