Hearing loss decisions — 2014

The Board denied the Veteran's claims for service connection for bilateral hearing loss and tinnitus, finding that there was no evidence of in-service incurrence or aggravation of these conditions. The VA audiology examination did not find a link between current hearing loss and tinnitus and military noise exposure.

The Board found that the Veteran's bilateral hearing loss did not meet or approximate the criteria for a compensable rating under VA's disability evaluation guidelines, and thus denied his claim.

The Veteran's appeal is being remanded for additional development, including obtaining updated VA treatment records and a new VA examination to assess his PTSD symptoms. The Veteran also needs an opinion on whether his service-connected disabilities render him unable to secure or follow a substantially gainful occupation.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's currently diagnosed bilateral hearing loss was not present during active service, did not manifest within one year of discharge from service, and did not develop as a result of any incident during service. Therefore, the claim for service connection for bilateral hearing loss is denied.

The Board finds that the appellant's bilateral hearing loss disability had its onset as a result of his period of active service in the United States Navy and Coast Guard, resolving doubt in favor of the appellant. Therefore, service connection for bilateral hearing loss is granted.

The Veteran's appeal has been withdrawn, and the issues of service connection for myelofibrosis, bilateral hearing loss, and tinnitus, as well as an increased evaluation for PTSD have been dismissed.

The Board has granted service connection for bilateral hearing loss and tinnitus, finding that the Veteran's current conditions are related to his in-service noise exposure. The claims are granted subject to the laws and regulations governing the payment of monetary benefits.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's currently diagnosed chronic hepatitis C was caused by his willful misconduct, specifically his intravenous drug use during service. Therefore, service connection for hepatitis C is denied.

The Board has remanded the case due to the Veteran's disagreement with the initial ratings for his service-connected bilateral pes planus and frostbite of the bilateral hands. The issues of entitlement to a rating in excess of 30 percent for service-connected bilateral pes planus, and service connection for frostbite of the bilateral hands are now pending before the Board.

The Veteran's claim for service connection for bilateral hearing loss was denied as she does not have a ratable disability. The claims for an acquired psychiatric disorder other than PTSD and for a higher rating for PTSD are remanded.

The Veteran's claims for service connection and initial rating for left ear hearing loss, right ankle disability, and left wrist disability were denied. The Board found that the evidence did not support a compensable rating for left ear hearing loss or service connection for any of the other conditions.

The Board found that the Veteran's cause of death, a subdural hematoma due to a probable head trauma resulting from a fall, was not caused by or aggravated by any service-connected condition.

The Veteran's hearing acuity has manifested in no worse than level IV in the left ear and level II in the right ear. The Veteran also demonstrated difficulty hearing conversational speech, especially in the presence of background noise. As a result, the Board finds that an initial compensable rating for bilateral hearing loss is not warranted.

The Board found that the Veteran's right ear hearing loss and tinnitus are not service-connected as there is no medical evidence showing a link between these conditions and his military service.

The Veteran's bilateral hearing loss disability was rated at 10 percent prior to December 1, 2010, and the Board found that a higher rating is not warranted. As of December 1, 2010, the Veteran's disability remains rated at 10 percent.

The Veteran's claim for a disability rating in excess of 30 percent for bilateral hearing loss since February 9, 2012 was denied as he failed to report for the necessary VA examination.

The Board has remanded the claims due to insufficient examination and opinion regarding the etiology of the Veteran's bilateral hearing loss and tinnitus. The Veteran is requested to provide an addendum opinion from a VA examiner or another qualified individual, considering his combat service in Vietnam.

The Veteran's claim for service connection for bilateral hearing loss has been reopened. The claim for reopening of the acute myelogenous leukemia claim remains denied.

The Board denied the Veteran's claims for reopening service connection for left ear hearing loss, right knee disability, and right arm/hand disability. The claim for compensation under 38 U.S.C.A. � 1151 for below-the-knee left leg amputation was also denied.

The Veteran's appeal is being remanded for additional development, including obtaining updated VA treatment records and scheduling the Veteran for an examination to assess the current severity of his hearing loss and scar.