Hearing loss decisions — 2014

The Veteran's appeal is mixed, with some issues granted and others not. The 30 percent rating for bilateral hearing loss disability from August 9, 2012 was granted, but the issue of a higher rating prior to that date remains on appeal.

The Board has granted service connection for bilateral hearing loss disability and tinnitus, finding that the Veteran's current conditions are likely due to his exposure to noise during active service.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's bilateral hearing loss did not manifest during service or within one year of separation, and there is no evidence of a chronic condition in service. The VA examiner opined that it was less likely than not related to service.

The Veteran's service-connected bilateral hearing loss is rated as noncompensable, with no improvement in his condition over the years. The Board finds that the evidence does not support a higher rating.

The Board has granted the Veteran's claim for service connection for a bilateral hearing loss disability, finding that it is at least as likely as not caused by noise exposure during active service.

The VA examiner determined that the Veteran's bilateral hearing loss is not related to his military service, as evidenced by normal hearing at separation and conversion of audiometric results from ASA to ISO units.

The Veteran's hypertension is not service-connected as it did not manifest during active duty or within one year of separation, and there is no evidence linking the current condition to service.,Bilateral hearing loss disability was found to be related to in-service acoustic trauma. The Veteran has a history of noise exposure while serving in Vietnam, which led to current bilateral hearing loss.

The Veteran's claims for service connection for a right thumb disorder, bilateral hearing loss, tinnitus, and lumbar spine disorder were denied. The claim for chest disorder was also denied as there is no evidence of a current disability related to service.

The Board found that the Veteran's bilateral hearing loss and right hip disorder are not related to his military service, thus denying both claims.

The Board found that the Veteran's pre-existing left ear hearing loss did not increase in severity during service, and thus denied his claim for service connection.

The Board has granted service connection for bilateral hearing loss and tinnitus, finding that the Veteran's exposure to loud noises during service resulted in these disabilities. The claim for a sleep disorder is dismissed due to withdrawal.

The Veteran's appeal is being remanded due to incomplete records and an inadequate VA examination. The claims for service connection are not yet decided.

The Board has granted service connection for bilateral hearing loss and tinnitus, finding that the Veteran's current conditions are related to his military service.

The Veteran's bilateral hearing loss disability has not been found to warrant a rating higher than the current 50 percent evaluation.

The VA determined that the appellant's current hearing loss is not related to his military service, as evidenced by normal audiometric results at separation and no significant threshold shift during service.

The Veteran's appeal is being remanded due to a request for a videoconference hearing. The specific issues of rating for hearing loss and tinnitus are pending.

The Board is granting the reopening of a previously denied claim for service connection for skin disorders. The hearing loss and tinnitus claims are being remanded due to insufficient evidence.

The Veteran's claim for service connection for tinnitus is granted, as the Board finds that his tinnitus is related to in-service noise exposure. The claim for bilateral hearing loss remains pending and will be remanded.

The Board has decided to remand the case for additional development, including obtaining medical opinions and treatment records.

The Veteran's PTSD is granted as incurred in service, and his hearing loss disability remains unresolved.