Hearing loss decisions — 2014

The Veteran's bilateral hearing loss is currently evaluated as noncompensable, and the evidence does not support a higher rating based on his exceptional pattern of hearing impairment.

The Board denied service connection for a thyroid disorder and bilateral hearing loss, finding no evidence of such conditions during or within one year after the Veteran's active duty. The Board also found that any current thyroid disorder is less likely caused by military service.

The Board has determined that additional development is necessary before the underlying claim of service connection for bilateral hearing loss can be adjudicated on the merits.

The Veteran's service-connected hearing loss disability is currently rated as noncompensable due to the presence of level I hearing in both ears, which corresponds to a noncompensable evaluation under VA rating criteria.

The Veteran's tinnitus and bilateral hearing loss were productive of clear interference with normal employability during the period from September 29, 1992 to April 5, 1994, warranting a 10 percent rating under the provisions of 38 C.F.R. § 3.324.

Service connection for left ear hearing loss is granted due to continuity of symptomatology since service. Service connection for fibromyalgia is denied as there is insufficient evidence to establish its onset during service or relate it to military service.

The Board has determined that the current rating decision is not complete and requires additional development, including a new VA examination to address the Veteran's claims for service connection for bilateral hearing loss and tinnitus.

The Board has remanded the case to the RO/AMC for further development due to an inadequate VA examination report. The Veteran will need a new VA audiological examination to determine the extent and severity of his service-connected bilateral hearing loss.

The Board found that the Veteran's right ear hearing loss is not related to his active duty service and denied the claim.

The Board has granted the Veteran's service connection claims for low back disability, bilateral hearing loss disability, and PTSD. The claim for low back disability was reopened due to new evidence provided by a private physician. Service connection is established for bilateral hearing loss disability based on in-service noise exposure without protection. PTSD is also service-connected as it is linked to an in-service stressor that has been corroborated.

The Veteran's bilateral hearing loss and tinnitus are found to have started during service and continue since then, warranting service connection under the benefit of the doubt.

The Board has dismissed the appeal due to the appellant's withdrawal of the appeal.

The Board has determined that the Veteran does not have a current right ear hearing loss disability for VA compensation purposes. However, he is found to have a left ear hearing loss disability related to service noise exposure.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's bilateral hearing loss is not related to service, and his tinnitus is related to service. Therefore, service connection for bilateral hearing loss is denied, but service connection for tinnitus is granted.

The Board has determined that the Veteran does not have a current diagnosis of sexually transmitted diseases, including a penile cyst. The Veteran's currently diagnosed penile benign cyst is not caused by his service-connected gonorrhea from over 40 years ago.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's bilateral hearing loss had its onset in service and is therefore granted service connection.

The Board has granted service connection for right ear tinnitus, effective March 19, 2010. The Veteran's claim for a right ear disability and hearing loss remains pending.

The Board has remanded the Veteran's claims for service connection for hearing loss and a psychiatric disorder due to additional development being required.

The Board denied a rating higher than the current 60 percent for residuals of an acoustic neuroma at the right cerebrellopontine angle, as the separate ratings for right facial palsy, tinnitus, right hearing loss, and aphthous stomatitis do not exceed the current single 60 percent.

The Veteran's claim for service connection for hearing loss in the left ear is denied. His tinnitus has been granted a 10% rating, which is the maximum schedular rating available. The Veteran's right ear hearing loss does not meet the criteria for an initial compensable evaluation.