Hearing loss decisions — 2014

The Veteran's current hearing loss, tinnitus, cervical degenerative disc disease with disc herniation, headaches, and bilateral shoulder condition are not considered to be related to his active service.

The Veteran's claim for restoration of a 70 percent disability rating for service-connected bilateral hearing loss was denied as the reduction from 70 to 30 percent was proper based on consistent medical evidence showing improvement in his hearing acuity.

The Veteran's appeal is remanded for further development, including a VA audiological examination and Social and Industrial Survey. The issues include increased ratings for bilateral hearing loss and entitlement to TDIU.

The Board has determined that a new VA examination is needed to address the etiology of any right ear hearing loss disability and tinnitus, as well as whether these conditions are related to service-connected right otitis externa.

The Board has remanded the case due to the Veteran's request for a videoconference hearing.

The Board has remanded the case for additional development, including obtaining updated medical records and scheduling VA examinations to assess the Veteran's low back condition and bilateral hearing loss.

The Veteran's appeal for an increased rating for PTSD was withdrawn prior to the Board's decision. The issue of entitlement to a TDIU due to service-connected disabilities remains.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's bilateral hearing loss disability and tinnitus are service-connected.

The Veteran's claim for right ear hearing loss has been reopened and granted. The left clavicle disability is rated at 20 percent, but the Board finds no basis to grant a higher rating.

The Board has granted the Veteran's claim of service connection for bilateral sensorineural hearing loss, finding that his current hearing loss disability is at least as likely as not due to noise exposure in service. The earlier effective date issue for service-connected tinnitus remains pending and requires a Statement of the Case.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's bilateral hearing loss and tinnitus are not related to service, as there is no evidence of in-service hearing loss or tinnitus. The preponderance of the evidence does not support a finding that these conditions were incurred during military service.

The Veteran's claim for service connection for bilateral hearing loss and tinnitus is being remanded due to inconsistencies in audiometric testing results, the need for additional VA audiological examination, and possible SSA disability records.

The Veteran's TDIU claim is being remanded for a comprehensive evaluation of the functional effects of his service-connected disabilities on employment.

The Veteran's appeal has been dismissed as he withdrew his claim of entitlement to service connection for hearing loss of the right ear.

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

The Veteran's left ear hearing loss is currently rated as noncompensable under the applicable VA rating criteria. The Board finds that his disability does not meet or approximate the criteria for a compensable evaluation.

The Veteran's bilateral hearing loss and acquired psychiatric disorder, including PTSD, are granted service connection. The claim for residuals of priapism is also granted as secondary to treatment for an acquired psychiatric disorder.

The Veteran's claims for service connection for type II diabetes mellitus and bilateral hearing loss were denied as there is no evidence of a current disability meeting VA criteria, or that the conditions are related to his military service.

The Veteran's bilateral hearing loss was found to have been aggravated by noise exposure during service, and the claim for service connection is granted. The issue of tinnitus as secondary to hearing loss remains pending.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's lumbar and cervical spine disabilities are not related to service, including his in-service injuries. The evidence does not support a finding of service connection for these conditions.