Hearing loss decisions — 2014

The case is being remanded for the results of audiological testing performed at the Kansas City VAMC in March 2011 to be obtained and reviewed.

The Board has determined that the evidence is in equipoise as to whether the Veteran's bilateral hearing loss is related to his active service, specifically due to in-service noise exposure. As a result, service connection for bilateral hearing loss is granted.

The VA determined that the Veteran's current bilateral hearing loss is not related to his military service, and thus denied his claim for service connection.

The Veteran's tinnitus is found to be related to his military service, and the Board grants service connection for this condition. The issue of bilateral hearing loss was withdrawn by the Veteran before a decision could be made.

The Veteran's asthma was aggravated during service, and her left knee disability is due to military service. The Board granted service connection for these conditions.

The Board has granted service connection for the Veteran's bilateral hearing loss, finding that it is at least as likely as not caused by his military service. The decision also addresses whether the Veteran's service-connected allergic rhinitis aggravated his pre-existing hearing loss.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's bilateral hearing loss and tinnitus are related to his service, including exposure to gunfire while serving on a Navy ship. The claims for service connection have been granted.

The Veteran's appeal has been withdrawn prior to the Board making a decision.

The Board has remanded the Veteran's claims for additional development due to incomplete records and need for further medical examinations.

The Veteran's unauthorized medical expenses incurred from June 19, 2011 to June 21, 2011 at Tallahassee Memorial Hospital were reimbursed as the emergency treatment was deemed necessary due to his severe symptoms and VA facilities were not feasibly available.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's current bilateral hearing loss is not related to his military service, and thus denied his claim for service connection.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's right ear hearing loss disability is related to his active service and thus grants entitlement to service connection for this condition. However, there is insufficient evidence to establish a current left ear hearing loss disability for VA purposes.

The Veteran's bilateral hearing loss is currently rated at 30 percent, the maximum schedular rating available under Diagnostic Code 6100. The Board finds that his claim for a higher initial rating cannot be granted as there is no evidence of an exceptional or unusual disability picture.

The Veteran's bilateral hearing loss has been rated as 10 percent disabling since September 9, 2008. The Board found that the evidence supported a higher rating due to increased severity of his service-connected hearing impairment.

The VA determined that the Veteran's right ear hearing loss is not service-connected, as there was no evidence of injury to the right ear during service and current hearing loss cannot be attributed to service.

The Board found that the Veteran's service connection claims for hearing loss and tinnitus were denied as there was no current diagnosed disability, and the evidence did not establish a nexus to service.

The Veteran's claim for service connection for facial palsy was denied as he does not currently have this condition. The claims for higher initial ratings for the right shoulder and knee disabilities, and a compensable rating for bilateral hearing loss were also denied.

The Veteran's appeal is being remanded due to his failure to appear for a scheduled Travel Board hearing. He has been placed on the waiting list and now requests a videoconference hearing instead.

The Board has determined that new and material evidence has been submitted to reopen the claims for service connection for a low back disability and bilateral hearing loss. The Veteran's assertions of in-service injuries are considered, as is his history of falls related to his knee disability.

The Veteran's service connection claims for bilateral tinnitus and bilateral hearing loss were granted in January 2013. The claim for chronic headaches remains pending.