Hearing loss Board decisions

The veteran's claim for an initial compensable evaluation for his bilateral hearing loss is being remanded due to the need for a new VA examination to assess the current extent of his hearing loss.

The Board granted service connection for left ear hearing loss and remanded the right ear hearing loss claim. The veteran's PTSD claim was denied due to lack of a verified in-service stressor.

The Board has determined that the veteran's current bilateral hearing loss is due to noise exposure during service, and grants service connection for this condition.

The Board has determined that the veteran's claimed bilateral hearing loss and tinnitus are not related to his military service, and thus denied both claims.

The Board has remanded the veteran's claims for service connection for bilateral hearing loss and tinnitus due to incomplete medical records and a need for further examination.

The veteran's claim for an initial increased rating for bilateral hearing loss is being remanded due to the need for proper notice and assistance in substantiating his claim.

The Board has determined that the veteran's bilateral hearing loss does not meet the criteria for a compensable disability rating.

The Board has decided to remand the case for further development and consideration, including obtaining a medical opinion regarding the etiology of the veteran's bilateral hearing loss.

The Board has determined that new and material evidence has been received to reopen the veteran's claims for service connection for bilateral hearing loss and tinnitus. The veteran served in active duty, ACDUTRA, and INACDUTRA in the Army National Guard, which is considered active military service. His audiometric test results show an upward trend during his service period, indicating potential noise-induced hearing impairment. Service connection has been granted for bilateral hearing loss as a result of acoustic trauma sustained while serving in the Army National Guard.

The veteran's claim for service connection for bilateral hearing loss is being remanded due to the need for a clarifying opinion on the etiology of his hearing loss after review of the claims file and the veteran's service medical records.

The VA denied the veteran's claim for an increased rating for his service-connected bilateral hearing loss, as his current disability level does not warrant a higher evaluation.

The Board has remanded the case for additional development, including scheduling a VA examination and obtaining medical records. The veteran's claims for service connection for his mental health conditions are pending.

The VA determined that the veteran's service-connected bilateral hearing loss did not warrant an initial compensable evaluation prior to May 14, 2005, and did not warrant a rating in excess of 10 percent from May 14, 2005.

The Board found that the veteran did not have a hearing loss disability at any time during service or within one year afterward, and there was no evidence establishing an etiological relationship between his current bilateral hearing loss and service. As such, the claim for service connection for hearing loss was denied.

The Board denied the veteran's claim for an evaluation in excess of 10 percent for bilateral hearing loss prior to June 10, 1999, as the evidence did not show a level of impairment warranting such a rating.

The Board has determined that the veteran's current bilateral hearing loss is related to his military service, and thus grants service connection for this condition.

The Board denied the veteran's claims for an initial rating in excess of 30 percent for PTSD prior to April 5, 2004, and to a rating in excess of 50 percent thereafter; entitlement to an initial compensable rating for bilateral hearing loss prior to November 13, 2000, and to a rating in excess of 10 percent thereafter; and service connection for carcinoma of the nasopharynx and sphenoid bone due to herbicide exposure. The veteran's claims were denied as there was no evidence linking his current conditions to military service or herbicide exposure.

The Board has denied the veteran's claims for service connection for bilateral hearing loss and tinnitus, finding that there is no evidence of in-service injury or disease related to these conditions.

The Board denied the appellant's claims for higher SMC ratings and an earlier effective date, finding that he did not meet the criteria for a higher level of care or aid and attendance based on his service-connected disabilities.

The veteran is seeking higher disability ratings for his service-connected PTSD, bilateral hearing loss, and back injuries. The RO has remanded the case to obtain additional evidence from Social Security Administration records.