Hearing loss Board decisions

The Board has remanded the case due to inadequate VA examination reports and the need for additional evidence, including Social Security Administration (SSA) records.

The Veteran's right ear hearing loss with dizziness is not service-connected under the provisions of 38 U.S.C. § 1151, as it was not caused by carelessness, negligence, lack of proper skill, error in judgment, or similar instance of fault on the part of VA.

The Board has remanded the case due to inadequate examination and further development is required.

The Veteran's claims for increased ratings for left ear hearing loss and chronic recurring otitis media of the left ear with effusion were denied. A separate rating was not granted for a vestibular disorder associated with his service-connected chronic otitis media.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's bilateral hearing loss and tinnitus are related to noise exposure during his military service, with aggravation of pre-existing conditions. The appeal is granted for both issues.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's tinnitus is related to his service-connected bilateral hearing loss, and thus grants the claim of entitlement to service connection for tinnitus on a secondary basis.

The Veteran's appeal is being remanded for a Travel Board hearing at the RO.

The Board has determined that the VA did not satisfy its duty to assist and has remanded the case for further development, including scheduling a VA audiological examination.

The Veteran's claim for service connection for PTSD was denied due to lack of credible supporting evidence for the occurrence of in-service stressors. The claim for an earlier effective date for a 70% rating for bilateral hearing loss was not met as there is no factually ascertainable increase in disability prior to August 24, 2005.

The Veteran's service-connected disabilities have been evaluated based on the criteria provided. The Board has determined that the preponderance of the evidence is against the claims for increased ratings, and thus the appeals are denied.

The Board has determined that additional development is needed for the Veteran's claims of service connection for bilateral hearing loss and neck injury. The case is being remanded to allow for a VA examination to determine if these conditions are related to his military service.

The Veteran's service-connected tinnitus and hearing loss have aggravated his Meniere's disease, warranting service connection for the symptoms of Meniere's disease as secondary to these conditions.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's service-connected disabilities have rendered him unable to secure and follow substantially gainful employment, thus granting a total disability rating based on individual unemployability.

The Board denied the Veteran's claims for service connection for PTSD, a respiratory disorder, peripheral neuropathy, bilateral hearing loss, and tinnitus. The evidence did not establish current diagnoses or show continuity of symptoms since service.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's hearing loss and tinnitus were not incurred in or aggravated by active military service. The evidence does not show a continuity of symptoms since service separation, nor is there any competent medical opinion linking current hearing loss and tinnitus to incidents during service.

The Board found that the Veteran's current bilateral hearing loss did not have its onset during service and is not related to any in-service noise exposure. As a result, the claim for service connection was denied.

The Board has remanded the case due to incomplete medical records and the need for additional examination.

The Board has remanded the case due to a need for further examination and consideration of the Veteran's statements regarding his hearing loss and tinnitus.

The Board found that the Veteran's bilateral hearing loss pre-existed service and was not permanently worsened during active duty. The claim for tinnitus was also denied as there is no evidence of current disability or a nexus to service.

The Veteran's hearing loss disability is manifested by Level VIII hearing acuity in the right ear and Level V hearing acuity in the left ear, resulting in a 30 percent evaluation. The Board found that an increased rating beyond 30 percent was not warranted.