Hearing loss decisions — 2015

The Board found that the Veteran's preexisting left ear hearing loss did not increase in severity during service, and thus denied service connection for left ear hearing loss. The right ear hearing loss and tinnitus issues are remanded due to conflicting evidence.

The Veteran's claim for an initial rating in excess of 40 percent for bilateral hearing loss was denied, but his service connection for the condition was granted with a 40 percent disability evaluation effective February 28, 2013. The effective date of this grant was also advanced to February 28, 2013.

The Veteran's current bilateral hearing loss was not shown to be present during service or for many years thereafter, and the VA examiner opined that it is less likely than not related to his military service.

The Veteran's bilateral hearing loss was not incurred in service and is not related to noise exposure during his military service. The Board found that the Veteran's hearing loss did not manifest within one year of separation from service, and there was no evidence linking it to service.

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

The Board has determined that the Veteran does not have a current diagnosis of right ear hearing loss for VA purposes and therefore service connection is not warranted. For left ear hearing loss and tinnitus, while diagnosed, there is no evidence linking these conditions to service.

The Veteran's bilateral hearing loss disability was rated at 20% effective December 6, 2012 and increased to 40% effective August 28, 2015.

The Board has granted service connection for right ear hearing loss and assigned a rating of 10 percent. The Veteran's hypertension is rated at the maximum allowable under VA regulations, so no increase in rating is warranted. Service connection for diabetes mellitus type II was denied.

The Board has remanded the case due to a scheduling issue, and the Veteran's hearing is rescheduled.

The Board has denied the Veteran's claims for service connection for bilateral hearing loss, tinnitus, right hand disorder, and left hand disorder. The evidence does not support a finding of in-service incurrence or aggravation of these conditions.

The Board has denied the Veteran's claim for compensation under 38 U.S.C.A. § 1151 for decreased visual acuity in the left eye, as new and material evidence was not received to reopen the claim. The claims of service connection for hearing loss and tinnitus are remanded due to insufficient development.

The Board has remanded the case due to incomplete records and a need for a VA examination.

The Board found no evidence of current right ear hearing loss, mononucleosis, or residuals of a head injury due to service. Chest pain was not shown as a disability.

The Veteran's tinnitus was found to have first manifested during active military service and has continued since then, meeting the criteria for service connection.

The Veteran's initial claim for service connection for bilateral hearing loss was granted, and he is currently receiving a 20% disability rating for his condition. However, the appeal seeks higher ratings or an earlier effective date, which are denied.

The Veteran's appeal is being remanded for additional development, including a VA audiometric examination to determine the current severity of his service-connected bilateral hearing loss. The case will be returned to the Board for further consideration.

The Veteran's bilateral hearing loss was rated at 10 percent prior to October 29, 2013. From October 29, 2013, forward, the rating for his service-connected bilateral hearing loss has been increased to 10 percent.

The Veteran's appeal was dismissed as he withdrew his appeal prior to the Board making a decision.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's tinnitus and hearing loss are service-connected, as they were incurred during his active duty. However, the bilateral heel condition and knee condition do not meet the criteria for service connection.

The Board has reopened the Veteran's claims for service connection for bilateral hearing loss and tinnitus, finding new and material evidence. The Veteran's current diagnoses of bilateral hearing loss and tinnitus are related to his in-service noise exposure.,Service connection is granted for bilateral hearing loss and tinnitus as these conditions are found to be directly related to the Veteran's military service.