Hearing loss decisions — 2014

The Veteran wishes to withdraw his appeal regarding the effective date for service connection of bilateral hearing loss, including based on clear and unmistakable error in a February 1971 rating decision. The case is dismissed as a result.

The Veteran's appeal is remanded due to the need for a new VA examination and additional treatment records, as well as further development of his claim.

The Veteran's appeal is remanded due to the need for a VA examination to determine the nature and etiology of his hearing loss and left varicocele disabilities, as well as ongoing VA medical records.

The Board found no evidence of in-service hearing loss or tinnitus, and concluded that the current bilateral sensorineural hearing loss and tinnitus are not related to service. The Veteran's contentions were considered but outweighed by the medical opinion.

The Veteran's appeal is being remanded due to the need for a Board hearing before a Veterans Law Judge at the RO. The claims of service connection for bilateral hearing loss, low back disability, skin disease, psychiatric disability (including PTSD), and Parkinson's disease are still pending.

The Veteran's hearing impairment has been rated as noncompensable throughout the initial rating period, with puretone thresholds at each frequency not meeting the criteria for a compensable evaluation.

The Board found that the Veteran's current bilateral hearing loss disability was not shown during service or within one year post-service, and is not related to a disease or injury of service origin.

The Veteran's service-connected disabilities do not preclude him from securing and following a substantially gainful occupation.

The Board has denied the Veteran's claims for reopening his service connection claims for right ear hearing loss, bilateral knee disability to include infectious disease, and acquired psychiatric disabilities. The evidence submitted since the last final denial was found to be cumulative or redundant.

The Board found that the Veteran's bilateral hearing loss and tinnitus were not caused by his military service, as evidenced by a VA examination report concluding it was less likely than not due to noise exposure. The Veteran did not have hearing loss or significant change in hearing sensitivity at separation from service.

The Board has denied the Veteran's claims for service connection for lyme disease, bilateral hearing loss, tinnitus, angioedema, and a kidney condition. The Veteran is not eligible for special monthly pension based on aid and attendance or housebound status.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's current bilateral hearing loss is likely related to his active military service, and thus grants service connection for this condition.

The Veteran's appeal is being remanded for additional development, including obtaining medical records and providing the Veteran with VA examinations to determine the nature and etiology of his claimed conditions.

The Veteran withdrew his appeals for prostate cancer and leukemia. The remaining issues of service connection for bilateral hearing loss, deep vein thrombosis (to include as secondary to a stress fracture to the right distal fibula), and an increased evaluation for a stress fracture of the right distal fibula are remanded.

The Veteran's appeal is being remanded for additional development, including a VA audiological examination to determine if his current hearing loss and tinnitus are related to his exposure to acoustic trauma in service.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's current right ear hearing loss is related to his military service, and thus grants service connection for this condition.

The Veteran's appeal is being remanded for additional development, including obtaining National Guard service records and providing a VA examination to determine the etiology of his nasal fracture and related conditions.

The Board has remanded the case for additional development, including obtaining VA treatment records and arranging for an examination to assess the impact of service-connected disabilities on employment. The claim for service connection for ischemic heart disease is not before the Board at this time.

The Veteran's appeal is being remanded for further development, including consideration of his TDIU claim based solely on his service-connected TBI.

The Veteran's claim for service connection for bilateral hearing loss has been denied as he does not have a current disability. The Veteran's claim of an increased evaluation for his back condition is remanded due to the need for a new VA examination.