Hearing loss Board decisions

The Veteran's claim for a higher rating for his service-connected bilateral hearing loss was granted effective March 23, 2005. The Board found that an earlier effective date is not warranted.

The Board found no credible evidence of an in-service stressor for PTSD, and the Veteran does not have bilateral hearing loss disability for VA purposes or tinnitus. Therefore, service connection is denied.

The Veteran's bilateral hearing loss has not been shown to warrant a compensable rating, and the appeal is denied.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's bilateral hearing loss is related to his military service, specifically due to noise exposure during his time in the Marines. The claim for service connection is granted.

The Board found that the veteran's hearing loss and tinnitus were not incurred in or aggravated by active duty service. The evidence did not establish a link between his current conditions and his military service.

The Veteran's service-connected disabilities do not prevent him from securing or following a substantially gainful occupation, as his other nonservice-connected conditions and work experience make it possible for him to find another means of employment.

The Board has remanded the Veteran's claims for additional development due to incomplete service records and the need for a VA examination.

The Board found that the Veteran's left ear hearing loss and tinnitus were not incurred or aggravated by service, nor could they be presumed to have been incurred due to exposure during service. The right ear hearing loss was currently manifested but did not meet the criteria for a compensable rating.

The Veteran's claim for an increased rating for his service-connected bilateral hearing loss is being remanded due to the need for additional development, including obtaining medical records and scheduling a VA examination.

The VA determined that the Veteran's bilateral hearing loss did not originate during service or due to noise exposure, and therefore denied his claim for service connection.

The Veteran's claim for a compensable rating for his service-connected bilateral hearing loss is being remanded due to the lack of clinical evidence with which to evaluate the disability. The Veteran was scheduled for an audiological examination in April 2008, but failed to report. A new VA audiological examination is required, and the Veteran will be given another opportunity to report. Additionally, Vazquez-Flores notice must be provided.

The Board denied service connection for bilateral hearing loss, tinnitus, and blindness as there was no evidence of a nexus between the disabilities and the Veteran's military service.

The Board has determined that the appellant's tinnitus originated while he was serving on active duty for training and his bilateral hearing loss disability is etiologically related to noise exposure during his active duty for training, thus granting service connection for both conditions.

The Veteran's claim for a compensable evaluation for bilateral hearing loss was denied, and his claim for service connection for tinnitus was also denied. The Board found that the evidence did not support a finding of current tinnitus due to active military service or any other incident, nor could it be presumed as an organic disease of the nervous system.

The Board has granted service connection for right ear hearing loss and assigned a noncompensable rating. The claim for an initial, compensable rating for left ear hearing loss is being remanded to the RO.

The Board found that the Veteran's current hearing loss disability is not etiologically related to his military service or any incident thereof, including noise exposure.

The Board has determined that new and material evidence has been received to reopen the Veteran's claim of service connection for bilateral hearing loss. The Board finds that the Veteran's current bilateral hearing loss is related to in-service noise exposure, and grants service connection.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's claimed left shoulder blade injury, right ear hearing loss, and tinnitus are not service-connected due to lack of evidence showing a chronic condition during or within one year after service.

The Board has granted service connection for bilateral hearing loss disability and remanded the issue of service connection for tinnitus.

The Board found that the Veteran's hearing loss was not incurred or aggravated by service and denied his claim.