Hearing loss Board decisions

The Board found that the veteran's service-connected disabilities, by themselves, do not preclude him from securing or following a substantially gainful occupation. Therefore, the claim for TDIU was denied.

The Veteran's claims for an effective date earlier than January 11, 2000, for the grant of a 100% evaluation for rheumatoid arthritis and initial compensable evaluation for bilateral hearing loss were denied. The Board found that prior to January 11, 2000, there was no evidence of constitutional manifestations associated with active joint involvement or severe impairment of health.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's right ear hearing loss is not related to his military service and thus denied service connection for this condition. The same conclusion was reached regarding left ear hearing loss and tinnitus.

The Veteran's appeal is being remanded for additional development of her claims, including obtaining medical records and scheduling examinations to address the nature and etiology of various claimed conditions.

The Veteran's service-connected bilateral hearing loss and tinnitus disabilities meet the percentage criteria for a TDIU, as they are rated at 60 percent combined.

The case is being remanded for further development and consideration of the appellant's claim, including providing proper notice under Hupp v. Nicholson and readjudicating the claim considering all evidence since December 2007.

The Veteran's claim for TDIU is being remanded due to the need for a medical opinion regarding the impact of his service-connected disabilities, including hearing loss, on his employability.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's claims for service connection for hearing loss and tinnitus have been denied as there is no evidence to support a finding of in-service injury or disease resulting in current disabilities.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's bilateral hearing loss and tinnitus did not manifest during his military service, nor were they aggravated by such service. The preponderance of evidence does not support a finding that these conditions are related to his military service.

The Board found that the Veteran's bilateral hearing loss did not manifest during service or within one year of discharge, and is not related to his military service. Therefore, the claim for service connection was denied.

The Veteran's claims for service connection and increased ratings were denied. The Board found no evidence of skin cancer of the nose, arthritis of the right knee prior to July 18, 2007, or arthritis of the left knee. The Veteran's hearing loss claim was not addressed as it is pending before the RO.

The Board has granted service connection for bilateral hearing loss and tinnitus, finding that the Veteran's current conditions are related to his military service.

The Veteran's status-post craniotomy for a brain tumor and postoperative infections with residual seizures, headaches, asymmetrical hearing loss, left extremity paralysis, hair loss, skin damage, head lump, sutures, scars, discoloration and deformed skull was incurred in active service.

The Board has remanded the case for a new VA examination to address the appellant's claim of service connection for bilateral hearing loss, as it is unclear whether his current condition is related to in-service acoustic trauma. The examiner should consider the appellant's history and any relevant medical evidence.

The Veteran's claims for service connection for hearing loss and reopening a claim of chronic upper respiratory infection (sinusitis) are being remanded due to the need for additional development.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's current bilateral hearing loss is the result of a disease, injury or event in service and grants his claim for service connection.

The Veteran's claims for bilateral hearing loss and tinnitus were denied as there is no evidence of a nexus between the conditions and his service.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's tinnitus is likely due to exposure to acoustic trauma during service, and thus grants service connection for this condition. The hearing loss claim remains pending as it requires additional development.

The Veteran's service-connected bilateral hearing loss disability has been evaluated at 20 percent since April 19, 2005. The VA examinations conducted have shown that the Veteran's hearing impairment is currently manifested by level VI hearing in the right ear and level V hearing in the left ear, warranting a 20 percent evaluation.

The Board found no evidence of hearing loss or tinnitus during service, and the medical evidence did not support a link between current bilateral hearing loss and tinnitus and service. As such, the Veteran's claims for service connection were denied.