Hearing loss decisions — 2014

The Veteran's service-connected bilateral hearing loss is currently manifested by no worse than Level III hearing in both ears, which corresponds to a noncompensable rating. The Board finds that the evidence does not support an entitlement to a compensable evaluation for his bilateral hearing loss.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's bilateral hearing loss and tinnitus do not warrant higher initial evaluations as they are currently rated.

The Board found that the Veteran's current bilateral hearing loss and tinnitus did not meet the criteria for service connection as they were not shown to be related to his military service.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's claimed bilateral hearing loss and tinnitus are not related to service, as there is no evidence of a chronic condition during service or within one year post-service. The VA examiner concluded that the current hearing loss and tinnitus are more likely due to occupational noise exposure after service.

The Board has determined that further development is needed to obtain the appellant's service personnel records and a VA examination for his seizure disorder, bilateral hearing loss disability, and tinnitus. The claims are being remanded.

The Veteran's appeal has been withdrawn, and the Board is dismissing the case as there are no longer any issues to review.

The Veteran's claim for service connection for left ear hearing loss is addressed in a separate remand.,Service connection has been granted for right ear hearing loss and tinnitus.

The Board has remanded the case for a new VA audiological examination to determine if the Veteran's bilateral hearing loss is related to his military service, including noise exposure from mortar attacks and helicopters.

The Board has granted service connection for PTSD. The Veteran's claims regarding his left ear hearing loss disability and a left ear disability, claimed as left ear drum damage, are remanded to obtain additional medical records and to provide the Veteran with an appropriate VA examination.

The Veteran's hearing loss has been evaluated as noncompensable (zero percent) due to the severity of his bilateral hearing loss not meeting a compensable level.

The Veteran's right ear hearing loss disability was evaluated as noncompensable, and the Board denied an increased rating.

The Board finds that an effective date earlier than June 25, 2012 for the assignment of special monthly compensation (SMC) at the R1 rate is not factually ascertainable.

The Veteran's claims for service connection have been REMANDED due to the need for a hearing before the Board.

The Board has denied the Veteran's claims for service connection for left ear hearing loss and tinnitus. The Board found that there was no evidence linking these conditions to service, and thus denied both claims.

The Board has remanded the case due to insufficient medical opinion regarding the etiology of the Veteran's current hearing loss and tinnitus. The Veteran is seeking service connection for these conditions, which are currently considered direct service connection cases.

The Board denied the Veteran's claims of service connection for left ear hearing loss and skin disability, finding no new and material evidence. The claim for hypertension was also denied as there is insufficient evidence to establish a direct relationship with service.

The Board has remanded the case for additional development, including obtaining VA and private treatment records, and providing an addendum to a VA examination report. The Veteran's claim for service connection for a psychiatric disorder and bilateral hearing loss remains pending.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's current bilateral hearing loss and tinnitus are as likely as not due to noise exposure during his period of active service, including his role as a military prison guard. As such, the claims for service connection have been granted.

The Veteran's claim of service connection for bilateral hearing loss disability, including as secondary to service-connected tinnitus, is being remanded due to the need to obtain additional medical records and provide a new examination.

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's current bilateral hearing loss and tinnitus are found to be related to his in-service noise exposure.