Hearing loss Board decisions

The VA has determined that the veteran's service-connected bilateral hearing loss does not warrant a compensable rating.

The Board denied a compensable rating for the veteran's service-connected bilateral hearing loss and did not address his claim for a higher initial rating for his service-connected bilateral tinnitus.

The Board has determined that the veteran's current bilateral hearing loss and tinnitus are likely due to acoustic trauma in service, granting service connection for these conditions.

The Board has determined that new and material evidence has been presented to reopen the veteran's claim of service connection for a hearing loss disability, which was previously denied in February 1984. The additional evidence submitted indicates that it is possible that the veteran's current hearing loss may be related to noise exposure during his military service.

The Board denied the veteran's claim for service connection for bilateral hearing loss, concluding that there was no evidence of hearing loss during service and attributing current hearing impairment to post-service occupational noise exposure.

The Board denied the veteran's claims for service connection for prostate cancer and whether new and material evidence has been received to reopen a claim of entitlement to service connection for bilateral hearing loss.

The Board has granted a noncompensable evaluation for bilateral hearing loss from June 9, 1998, to March 20, 2001. The veteran's claim is denied for evaluations in excess of this period.

The Board denied entitlement to service connection for various conditions, including bilateral hearing loss, tinnitus, and residuals of exposure to ionizing radiation. The veteran's claims were not supported by sufficient evidence or medical opinion.

The Board denied the veteran's claims for service connection for bilateral hearing loss and an increased rating for tinnitus. The veteran was already granted service connection for tinnitus, but the Board found that there is no evidence of current hearing loss or tinnitus meeting VA criteria.

The veteran's claim for vocational rehabilitation training under Chapter 31 was denied because he is qualified for suitable employment but does not obtain or retain such employment for reasons within his control.

The Board has determined that the veteran's bilateral hearing loss and skin disorder were not incurred or aggravated by his military service, including exposure to herbicides. The claims for increased disability rating for diabetes mellitus are addressed separately.

The Board denied the veteran's claims for increased disability ratings for bilateral hearing loss and otitis media. The decision is final as to the issues of increased rating for bilateral hearing loss prior to November 21, 2002, and from November 21, 2002, forward. The claim for an increased disability rating for otitis media with bilateral mastoiditis remains on appeal.

The Board has ordered further development due to the need for additional evidence and clarification. The case is now being remanded back to the RO for the requested development.

The Board has determined that the veteran's bilateral hearing loss was incurred during his military service and granted service connection for this condition.

The Board found that the veteran's current bilateral hearing loss is linked to his military service exposure, and granted service connection for this condition.

The Board denied the veteran's claims for service connection for valvular heart disease and endocarditis, as well as tinnitus. The claim for bilateral hearing loss was also denied due to lack of new and material evidence.

The Board has ordered further development due to the need for additional evidence and clarification of existing evidence. The case is now being returned to the RO for this purpose.

The Board has granted service connection for bilateral hearing loss and found that the veteran's current hearing loss is related to noise exposure during his military service. The other claims are pending further development.

The Board has granted service connection for left ear hearing loss disability, finding that the veteran's current hearing loss is attributable to his service. The issue of an initial compensable evaluation for right ear hearing loss disability remains pending.

The veteran's claim for service connection for bilateral hearing loss and tinnitus is being remanded due to the need for additional development, including obtaining medical records from VA and private sources.