Hearing loss decisions — 2014

The Veteran does not have a current diagnosis of a bilateral hamstring and leg disability, and the symptoms he reports are attributed to his nonservice-connected back condition. He also does not have a diagnosed bilateral hearing loss disability for VA purposes.

The Veteran's appeal is remanded due to the need for a VA audiological examination to determine the current severity of his service-connected bilateral hearing loss.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's bilateral hearing loss and tinnitus are likely attributable to noise exposure during his military service, warranting service connection.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's tinnitus began in service and is related to noise exposure, thus granting service connection for tinnitus. The claim for bilateral hearing loss will be remanded due to incomplete medical records.

The Board has found that additional development is needed due to outstanding VA outpatient treatment records and an inadequate medical opinion regarding the Veteran's hearing loss disability. The case is therefore REMANDED for further action.

The Board has denied the Veteran's claims for service connection for left ear hearing loss and an initial compensable rating for right ear hearing loss.

The Board has determined that new and material evidence has been submitted to reopen the claims for service connection for a left ear hearing loss disability, right ear hearing loss disability, and tinnitus. The Veteran's current disabilities are found to be related to his military service.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's claims for service connection for tinnitus, low back disability, hypertension, prostate cancer, and hearing loss have been withdrawn. The claim of service connection for hearing loss was denied as there is no evidence to support a finding of in-service noise exposure or chronic otitis media resulting in current hearing loss.

The Board granted service connection for bilateral hearing loss and tinnitus, effective from the date of receipt of the new claims (March 11, 2010) and March 18, 1985 respectively.

The Veteran's left-ear hearing acuity is not shown to meet the schedular criteria for a compensable rating, and her claim for a higher rating is denied.

The Veteran's service-connected bilateral hearing loss is manifested by no more than Level IV hearing acuity in the right ear and Level II hearing acuity in the left ear, resulting in a non-compensable disability rating. The Board finds that an initial compensable disability rating for this condition is not warranted.

The Veteran's tinnitus is found to have had its onset in service, and the Board grants service connection for this condition. The issue of bilateral hearing loss remains pending as an addendum opinion is needed.

The Board has remanded the case due to the Veteran's request for a videoconference hearing. The appeal is being returned to the AOJ for scheduling the requested hearing.

The Veteran's appeal is being remanded to the RO for additional development, including a VA audiological examination and review of newly submitted evidence.

The Board found that the Veteran does not have a current disability of left ear hearing loss for which service connection may be granted.

The Veteran's claims for service connection for hypertension, a higher rating for PTSD prior to April 8, 2011, and an initial compensable rating for bilateral hearing loss were denied. The Board found that the Veteran did not meet the criteria for any of these claims.

The Board has granted service connection for tinnitus, but denied the claim for bilateral hearing loss. The case is being remanded to provide another VA examination and address the etiology of the Veteran's hearing loss.

The Veteran's claim for service connection for bilateral hearing loss has been denied. The initial rating of 70 percent for PTSD remains unchanged, and the Veteran is granted TDIU.

The Veteran's service connection claims for left ear hearing loss and tinnitus were denied as there is no evidence of a significant decrease in hearing sensitivity during active service, and the current hearing loss and tinnitus are more likely due to civilian noise exposure.

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