Hearing loss decisions — 2014

The Board has reopened the Veteran's claims for service connection for bilateral hearing loss and tinnitus due to new evidence submitted since the last denial. The Board finds that there is at least a reasonable possibility that the Veteran's current conditions are related to his military service, including exposure to noise during active duty.

The Board has determined that the Veteran does not have a current right ear hearing loss disability, and therefore cannot establish service connection for this condition.,Service connection is granted for tinnitus as it was caused by his active service.

The Veteran's claims for service connection for a bilateral hand and finger condition, left ear hearing loss, right knee patellofemoral syndrome, allergies, onychomycosis of the great toes, and anterior chest wart cyst were denied. The Veteran's claim for service connection for a bilateral hand and finger condition was reopened but remains denied.

The Board has granted service connection for right ear hearing loss, finding that the Veteran's current hearing impairment is at least equally likely due to his in-service noise exposure. The claim of service connection for left ear hearing loss remains pending and will be remanded.

The Board has remanded the case due to the Veteran's failure to appear for a scheduled video-conference hearing. The case is now pending and will be handled in an expeditious manner.

The Board has determined that service connection is not warranted for bilateral hearing loss disability, perforated ear drums, or recurrent ear infections as there is no evidence of current disabilities related to active service.

The Veteran's hearing loss has not met the criteria for a higher rating than 50 percent before October 4, 2011 and has not met the criteria for a higher rating than 60 percent since that date.

The Board has determined that new and material evidence has been received to reopen the Veteran's claim for service connection for bilateral hearing loss. The criteria for establishing service connection have also been met, with the opinion of a medical expert suggesting a link between the Veteran's current hearing loss and his in-service noise exposure.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's bilateral hearing loss disability is etiologically related to his active service, and thus service connection for this condition is granted.

The Board has remanded the case due to insufficient evidence regarding the current severity of the Veteran's bilateral hearing loss disability. A new VA audiological examination is needed to assess this condition.

The Veteran's bilateral hearing loss disability is manifested by no more than level II hearing impairment in the left ear and level I hearing in the right ear at any time during the appeal period, warranting a noncompensable rating.

Service connection was granted for a bilateral knee disorder, but service connection remains denied for cervical spine disorder and hearing loss.,A higher rating is sought for the low back disability.

The Board has remanded the case for further development to ensure full compliance with its instructions regarding etiological opinions.

The Veteran's initial claim for an initial compensable evaluation for bilateral hearing loss was denied as his disability did not meet the criteria for a compensable rating under VA's Schedule for Rating Disabilities.

The Veteran's claim for service connection for right ear hearing loss is denied as there is no current disability meeting VA criteria.

The Veteran's bilateral hearing loss disability is related to his active service, and the Board finds in favor of granting service connection for this condition.

The Veteran's appeal is being remanded due to a request for a postponement of his Travel Board hearing. The issues related to increased rating for left knee injury, service connection for bilateral hearing loss, and TDIU are still pending.

The Board has granted service connection for bilateral hearing loss and tinnitus, finding that the Veteran's current conditions are due to his active service.,Service connection was also granted for residuals of ulcerative colitis, with a presumption based on asbestos exposure.

The Veteran's appeal is being remanded due to inadequate medical opinions regarding his service-connected conditions and the impact of those conditions on his employability. Additional development, including VA examinations, is required.