Hearing loss decisions — 2014

The Board has determined that the Veteran does not have a current bilateral hearing loss disability, pes planus, or acquired psychiatric disability (depressive disorder NOS) related to his service. The claims are therefore denied.

The Board has found that the VA examinations provided in connection with these claims were inadequate and requires further development, including obtaining STRs from the Veteran's period of service in the Army Reserve, scheduling new VA examinations for the Veteran's cervical spine, left shoulder, right shoulder disabilities, and hearing loss, and reviewing the Veteran's lay assertions regarding his inservice injuries.

The Board has remanded the case due to inadequate nexus opinions regarding the Veteran's bilateral hearing loss and tinnitus, which are currently considered service-connected.

The Board has remanded the case due to the need for additional development, including obtaining VA treatment records and private treatment records, as well as scheduling a VA examination.

The Board found no evidence of a hearing loss disability under the VA's criteria for such disabilities, and concluded that the Veteran's current bilateral hearing loss is not related to his military service.

The Veteran's seventh cranial nerve disability is currently rated as 20 percent disabling, and the Board finds that a higher rating is not warranted.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's current bilateral hearing loss and tinnitus are related to his military service, resolving all reasonable doubt in favor of the Veteran.

The Veteran's 100% rating for bilateral hearing loss was reduced to 30%, effective October 1, 2010. The Board finds the reduction proper based on sustained improvement in his condition.

The Board has remanded the case for further development due to inadequate opinion regarding the onset of the Veteran's bilateral hearing loss disability and potential inconsistencies with noise exposure in service.

The VA Regional Office denied the Veteran's claim for service connection for bilateral hearing loss. The case is being remanded to clarify the audio examinations and reconcile them with the December 1968 audiogram.

The Board has determined that a remand is necessary to ensure proper development of the Veteran's claim for service connection for bilateral hearing loss, as the current opinion from the VA audiologist does not adequately address the Veteran's assertions and medical history.

The Veteran's service-connected disabilities have rendered him unable to obtain and retain substantially gainful employment, warranting a TDIU.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's bilateral hearing loss disability was not incurred in or aggravated by service and may not be presumed to have been so incurred.

The Board has granted service connection for bilateral hearing loss, bilateral tinnitus, and a left knee disability. The current conditions are related to in-service injuries or exposure.

The Veteran's initial disability rating for bilateral hearing loss was granted at a 10 percent level, effective June 24, 2008. The Board found that the evidence did not support an increase in his rating beyond this level.

The Veteran's bilateral hearing loss disability is rated at the highest available level (Level VII) under VA rating criteria, and no higher. The claim for an initial rating in excess of 40 percent for bilateral hearing loss disability is denied.

The Veteran's appeal has been withdrawn by the appellant, resulting in the dismissal of the case.

The Board has determined that the Veteran does not have a current bilateral hearing loss disability or tinnitus related to service, and therefore, denied both claims for service connection.

The Veteran's right ear hearing loss was rated at 10 percent prior to February 2, 2014 and remains at that level as of February 2, 2014. The Board found the evidence did not support a higher rating for any period on appeal.

The Veteran's claims for service connection are being remanded due to the need for additional development and consideration of new evidence.