Hearing loss decisions — 2014

The Veteran's bilateral hearing loss was found to be at Level I in the right ear and Level III in the left ear, resulting in a non-compensable evaluation under VA rating criteria.

The Board found that the Veteran's hearing loss has been manifested by no worse than Level I hearing acuity in both ears, resulting in a noncompensable rating for his bilateral hearing loss.

The Veteran withdrew the appeal regarding his claim for service connection for bilateral hearing loss.

The Board has remanded the case for further development and consideration of the claim for a compensable disability rating for bilateral hearing loss on an extraschedular basis.

The Board found that the Veteran's current bilateral hearing loss and tinnitus are not related to his military service, as evidenced by a lack of in-service noise exposure and no evidence of permanent damage from such exposure. The opinion concluded that the Veteran's late-onset hearing loss is more likely due to occupational and recreational noise exposure post-military.

The Veteran's appeal has been dismissed as the appellant withdrew his claim on March 5, 2014.

The Veteran's tinnitus is related to service, and the Board grants service connection for this condition. The issues of an increased rating for PTSD and TDIU are addressed in the REMAND portion.

The Board has reopened the previously denied claim of service connection for a bilateral foot disability and granted it. The Veteran's hearing loss is also considered, but no new rating was assigned as there were no changes in his existing conditions.

The Board has granted service connection for tinnitus, finding that the Veteran's current condition is at least as likely as not related to his in-service noise exposure. The hearing loss and genitourinary disorder claims are remanded for further development.

The Veteran's appeal is remanded due to the need for additional medical examinations and development of his claims for service connection for obstructive sleep apnea and bilateral hearing loss.

The Veteran's appeal is being remanded for additional development, including the provision of a VA examination to assess his bilateral hearing loss and foot disorders. The initial rating claim for hemorrhoids remains pending.

The Veteran's claim for a compensable disability rating for left ear hearing loss has been denied as his hearing impairment does not meet the criteria for a compensable evaluation under VA's schedular rating criteria.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's disability of the upper left extremity is not related to his service and therefore denied his claim for service connection. The issue regarding hearing loss was remanded.

The Veteran's appeal is being remanded for additional examinations and development of her claims.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's right ear hearing loss is related to his in-service noise exposure and grants service connection for this condition.

The Veteran's appeal is being remanded for additional development, including obtaining updated VA treatment records and scheduling the Veteran for a VA examination to assess his bilateral pes cavus and bilateral hearing loss.

The Board has determined that the criteria for reconsidering a prior denial of service connection for bilateral hearing loss disability have been met. The Veteran's claim is granted as tinnitus was incurred in active service.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's current bilateral hearing loss and tinnitus are not related to service, but has granted service connection for tinnitus due to the balance of probabilities.

The Board has remanded the Veteran's claims of entitlement to service connection for bilateral hearing loss and a chronic left shoulder disability due to potential errors in medical records and need for further examination.

The Veteran's appeal is remanded due to the need for additional evidence and a VA examination. The case will be returned to the Board for further review.