Hearing loss decisions — 2014

The Veteran requested to withdraw all issues on appeal, including the issue of service connection for bilateral hearing loss.

The Veteran's service connection claims for bilateral hearing loss and tinnitus have been granted. The Board found that the Veteran sustained acoustic trauma in service, had a current disability of sensorineural hearing loss (bilateral hearing loss), and credible evidence of symptoms since service separation. For tinnitus, the Board found that the Veteran reported onset during service and has consistent statements regarding his tinnitus symptoms.

The Veteran's appeal is being remanded due to the need for a 3-way videoconference hearing. The issues of service connection for various conditions are still pending.

The Veteran's claims for a compensable initial rating for bilateral hearing loss and an increased rating for residuals of a right foot fracture were denied. The Board found that the Veteran had Level I hearing in both ears, which corresponds to a noncompensable rating under VA regulations.

The Veteran's claims for service connection for bilateral hearing loss and night sweats resulting in sleep disturbance were denied as new and material evidence was not received to reopen the claims. The right ear hearing loss claim is denied due to lack of a current disability, no manifestation within one year post-service, and no medical opinion linking it to service. Night sweats are not considered related to an undiagnosed illness.

The Board has found that additional development is necessary and the case is being remanded to obtain VA treatment records. The Veteran's claims for a compensable rating for hearing loss and TDIU are pending.

The Veteran's TDIU claim is granted as his service-connected disabilities, including PTSD and ischemic heart disease, render him unable to secure or follow substantially gainful employment.

The Veteran's service connection for bilateral hearing loss was granted, but he is not entitled to a compensable evaluation.

The Veteran's claim for a TDIU is being remanded due to the need for additional development, including scheduling a VA examination.

The Board found that the Veteran's current bilateral hearing loss and tinnitus did not develop in service or are etiologically related to his military service. The VA examiners concluded that the conditions were more likely due to civilian noise exposure.

The Veteran's initial claim for a compensable rating for bilateral hearing loss prior to May 20, 2013 was denied. Since then, the VA has granted a 10 percent rating effective from May 20, 2013.

The Veteran's appeal is being remanded for further development, including a new VA examination to assess the severity of his bilateral hearing loss.

The Board has determined that the Veteran does not have a current disability of left ear hearing loss for VA purposes and his hypertension is less likely than not incurred in or caused by service. Therefore, both claims are denied.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's bilateral hearing loss is related to his military service, specifically noise exposure during his time as a Security Specialist. As such, the claim for service connection for bilateral hearing loss is granted.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's low back disability, diagnosed as lumbar disc disease, was incurred during active service. The right ear hearing loss and tinnitus are also found to be related to service.

The Board found that the Veteran's current bilateral hearing loss did not meet the criteria for service connection as it was not shown to be related to his active military service, including noise exposure. The preponderance of evidence does not support a finding that the Veteran's hearing loss began during or is otherwise linked to his period of service.

The Veteran's claim for an initial compensable evaluation for service-connected bilateral hearing loss was denied by the Board. The evidence did not show that his hearing loss warranted a higher rating.

The Veteran's appeal is being remanded for additional development, including obtaining audiometric test results and other medical records.

The Board has remanded the case for additional development, including verification of service dates and submission of any relevant service records.

The Veteran has withdrawn his appeal, and the Board is dismissing the case.