Hearing loss decisions — 2014

The Veteran's bilateral hearing loss is rated at zero percent, the minimum rating available under VA regulations. The Board finds that a compensable disability rating for his service-connected bilateral hearing loss is not warranted.

The Veteran's initial claim for a higher rating for bilateral hearing loss was denied. The Board found that the evidence did not support a compensable rating from September 14, 2007 to November 30, 2010 and no higher ratings were warranted at any point during this period.

The Board has reopened the claim of service connection for bilateral hearing loss disability, but further development is needed to decide the merits of the case.

The Veteran's bilateral hearing loss was rated at 10 percent prior to August 28, 2009 and has been rated at 10 percent since that date. The Board found the evidence did not support a higher rating for any period.

The Board has determined that additional development is needed due to the need for an opinion regarding whether hearing loss and tinnitus had their onset during service.

The Board has determined that additional evidence is needed to fully and fairly consider the Veteran's claims, including VA treatment records from Beaumont, Texas VA Outpatient Clinic and a new VA examination for his bilateral foot condition.

The Board has remanded the case due to inadequate notice and a need for new VA audiological examination. The Veteran's claims of service connection for tinnitus are also being reopened.

The Board has determined that the Veteran does not have bilateral hearing loss or tinnitus that is incurred in, due to or aggravated by service. Therefore, the claims for service connection are denied.

The Veteran's TDIU claim is being remanded for additional examination and development of his medical records. The Board will review the case again after these steps are completed.

The Veteran's bilateral hearing loss is found to be due to service exposure, and his prostate cancer residuals are granted a higher disability rating.

The Board finds that the Veteran's bilateral hearing loss and tinnitus are related to service exposure, as they had onset during active duty. The decision grants service connection for both conditions.

The Veteran's appeal is remanded to obtain additional information from the Social Security Administration (SSA) regarding his disability benefits application. The case will be further evaluated based on this new information.

The Veteran's claim of service connection for a bilateral hearing loss disability is being remanded due to insufficient evidence and further development is needed.

The Board has denied the Veteran's claims for service connection for bilateral hearing loss and tinnitus, finding that there is no evidence of a current disability or in-service incurrence or aggravation.

The Veteran's claims are being remanded for additional development, including obtaining service personnel records and a VA examination to assess the severity of his bilateral hearing loss. The claim for reopening service connection is also pending.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's bilateral hearing loss and tinnitus were not present in service or until many years thereafter, and are not related to service. Therefore, the claims for service connection have been denied.

The Veteran's bilateral hearing loss and tinnitus were not incurred in or related to his military service. The Board finds that the preponderance of the evidence is against the claims.

The Board has determined that a VA examination is needed to address the Veteran's claims for bilateral hearing loss and tinnitus, as the previous examination did not adequately consider inservice noise exposure.

The Veteran is unable to secure or follow substantially gainful employment due to service-connected disabilities, and the Board grants TDIU.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's bilateral hearing loss and tinnitus were caused by in-service noise exposure, and therefore service connection is granted for both conditions.