Hearing loss Board decisions

The Veteran's claim for an increased evaluation of his service-connected bilateral hearing loss is being remanded due to the need for a VA examination.

The Veteran's bilateral hearing loss disability is found to be related to in-service noise exposure and service connection is granted.

The Veteran's claim for an initial compensable evaluation for service-connected bilateral hearing loss is being remanded due to the failure to schedule a VA examination at his requested location in Albuquerque, New Mexico.

The Veteran's tinnitus is granted service connection, and his cervical and lumbar spine disabilities are denied. The Board finds that the evidence is at least in equipoise as to whether the Veteran's tinnitus began in service.

The Board denied the Veteran's claims for service connection for various conditions, including torn lateral meniscus of the right knee and bilateral hearing loss disability. The claim for service connection for nerve damage in the left arm was also denied. Service connection for arthritis of the right knee is addressed separately.

The Veteran's claims for service connection for myopia and bilateral hearing loss were denied as there is no evidence of current disabilities or in-service incurrence.

The Veteran's claims for increased ratings for bilateral hearing loss and tinnitus were denied, as the current ratings are already at their maximum. The claim to reopen a service connection claim for lumbosacral strain was also denied due to lack of new and material evidence.

The Board found that the Veteran's current bilateral hearing loss did not meet the VA requirements for a disability in either ear, and thus denied his claim. The audiologist opined that it is less likely as not that the Veteran's hearing loss was caused by or resulted from his active service.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's tinnitus is related to his military service, but his bilateral hearing loss is not.

The Veteran's appeal is being remanded due to the need for proper VCAA notice. The case will be returned to the Board for further review after necessary corrections are made.

The Veteran's appeal is being remanded for additional development, including a VA examination to assess the impact of his service-connected disabilities on his employability.

The Board finds that the Veteran's bilateral hearing loss and tinnitus were not incurred in or aggravated by his active duty service, nor may they be presumed to have been incurred in or aggravated by such service.

The Board found that the Veteran's hearing loss and tinnitus did not begin during service or as a result of service, and thus denied his claims for service connection.

The VA has determined that the appellant's current hearing loss was not incurred in or aggravated by his military service.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's current bilateral hearing loss disability had its onset during his active service and granted service connection for this condition.

The Board denied the Veteran's claims of service connection for asbestosis, bilateral hearing loss, and tinnitus. The evidence did not establish a nexus between these conditions and his military service.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's bilateral hearing loss and tinnitus are not related to his military service, as there is no evidence of in-service noise exposure or injury. The VA examiner found it less likely than not that the current bilateral hearing loss and tinnitus are related to service.

The Board found no evidence of hearing loss in service or for at least 40 years after discharge, and concluded that the Veteran's current bilateral hearing loss is not related to his military service.

The Veteran's hearing loss of the left ear is related to service, while his right ear hearing loss and tinnitus are not. Service connection for these conditions is granted.

The Board denied service connection for bilateral hearing loss and tinnitus, finding that the Veteran's current conditions did not have their onset during or as a result of his military service.