Hearing loss decisions — 2014

The Veteran's claim for an initial compensable rating for bilateral hearing loss was denied as his puretone threshold average did not meet the criteria for a higher rating.

The Veteran's bilateral hearing loss is rated at the minimum noncompensable level. The Board granted a compensable rating of 10% for his Bell's palsy, including claimed right eye diplopia.

The Board has granted service connection for bilateral hearing loss, finding that the Veteran's current bilateral hearing loss is at least as likely as not related to his in-service noise exposure. The right knee disability is also found to be at least as likely as not caused by his service-connected left knee disability.

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

The Veteran's service-connected disabilities render him so helpless as to be in need of regular aid and attendance, warranting special monthly compensation based on the need for regular aid and attendance.

The Board has granted service connection for bilateral sensorineural hearing loss and tinnitus, finding that the Veteran's current conditions are related to his military service.,Further examination is needed to determine if the Veteran has a diagnosed left shoulder condition or right shoulder condition.

The Veteran's appeal is being remanded due to scheduling issues for a Board hearing. Service connection claims for right shoulder disability, bilateral hearing loss, and PTSD are pending.

The Veteran's appeal is being remanded for further evidentiary development due to the allegation of worsening hearing loss since his last VA examination.

The Board has been notified of the appellant's withdrawal of his appeal for a higher rating for bilateral hearing loss, and thus the appeal is dismissed.

The Veteran's claims for compensation benefits under the provisions of 38 U.S.C.A. § 1151 are being remanded due to insufficient development and consideration.

The Board denied the Veteran's claims for service connection for right ear hearing loss and otitis media, finding that new evidence did not establish a current disability or link to service.

The Veteran's initial ratings for bilateral hearing loss disability and plantar fasciitis of the right foot were denied as they do not meet the criteria for a compensable rating under VA regulations.

The Board has reopened the Veteran's claim of service connection for right ear hearing loss and granted it, finding that there is a reasonable doubt in favor of the Veteran.

The Board has determined that a higher disability rating of 10 percent, but no higher, is warranted for the Veteran's service-connected bilateral hearing loss since January 6, 2012.

The Veteran's appeal is being remanded to the RO for scheduling a Travel Board hearing at his local VA office. The issues of right ear hearing loss and PTSD disability rating remain unresolved.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's left ear hearing loss is as likely as not related to his active service, and thus grants service connection for this condition.

The Board denied the Veteran's claims of service connection for residuals of a head injury, neck disorder, bilateral hearing loss, and left knee injury. The Board found no evidence of current disabilities related to these conditions that can be traced back to service.

The Board has remanded the case to the AOJ for readjudication of the accrued benefits claims in light of the relevant evidence and governing legal authority.

The Board found that the Veteran's death was not caused by or substantially contributed to by any service-connected disability, including his bilateral hearing loss and Alzheimer's dementia.

The Board has remanded the case for further development, including obtaining additional medical opinions and records. The Veteran's claims for PTSD, bilateral hearing loss, tinnitus, and a higher rating for depressive disorder are pending.