Hearing loss decisions — 2015

The Veteran's claim for an initial compensable rating for bilateral hearing loss is being remanded due to the need for additional development, including a VA examination and clarification of whether the Veteran wants a Board hearing.

The Veteran's service-connected bilateral hearing loss disability was evaluated at a 10 percent rating throughout the period on appeal, as his puretone thresholds did not meet criteria for higher ratings.

The Board has denied the Veteran's claims for service connection for bilateral hearing loss and posttraumatic stress disorder.

The Board granted a compensable rating of 10% for hearing loss prior to November 30, 2009, on an extraschedular basis.

The Board has denied an extraschedular rating for the Veteran's service-connected bilateral hearing loss, finding that the evidence does not show marked interference with employment or frequent periods of hospitalization due to his condition.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's right ear hearing loss disability was not incurred or aggravated by active duty, and its incurrence or aggravation during active duty may not be presumed. The claim for service connection is therefore denied.

The Veteran's bilateral hearing loss was rated at 70 percent from January 24, 2012 to May 11, 2015. From May 12, 2015, the rating increased to 100 percent.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's current bilateral hearing loss disability is etiologically related to noise exposure during his service with the Oklahoma Air National Guard, and thus grants the claim for service connection.

The Veteran's initial compensable rating for right hand carpal tunnel syndrome prior to March 16, 2012, and his service connection claims for left wrist carpal tunnel syndrome, skin condition (residuals of a skin condition incurred during service), and right ear hearing loss have been granted.

The Veteran's appeal is being remanded for further development, including a VA audiological examination to determine the current nature and severity of his bilateral hearing loss.

The Board has granted service connection for bilateral hearing loss and tinnitus, finding that the Veteran's current conditions are related to his in-service noise exposure during combat.

The Board found that the Veteran's bilateral hearing loss and tinnitus were not incurred in or aggravated by his active military service. The VA examiner determined that the current auditory findings of the Veteran are similar to those observed during his separation examination, indicating no significant change over time.

The Veteran's appeal is being remanded to the RO for scheduling a videoconference hearing. The case will be returned to the Board after the hearing.

The Board has decided to remand the case for additional development due to conflicting opinions regarding the etiology of the Veteran's bilateral hearing loss. The Veteran served in a military occupation that exposed him to noise, but his service records do not show any history or complaints indicative of hearing loss.

The Board finds that the Veteran's bilateral hearing loss and tinnitus were not incurred in or aggravated by his active duty military service. The VA examiner determined that there was no significant threshold shift during service, and the current hearing loss is less likely due to acoustic trauma related to his MOS as with field artillery or military noise exposure.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's bilateral hearing loss is likely related to his active service, and grants service connection for this condition. The claim of service connection for an acquired psychiatric disorder (to include PTSD) is granted as well.

The Veteran's claims for coronary artery disease, liposarcoma, and bilateral hearing loss were denied because there is no evidence of in-service exposure to herbicides or other service-connected conditions that could be linked to these disabilities.,There was insufficient evidence to establish a link between the claimed conditions and active service.

The Veteran's bilateral hearing loss was rated at 70 percent from January 24, 2012 to May 11, 2015. From May 12, 2015, the rating increased to 100 percent.

The Board has decided to remand the case for a new VA opinion regarding whether the Veteran's bilateral hearing loss is related to service noise exposure. The issue of entitlement to service connection for bilateral hearing loss will be reconsidered after the remand.

The Board has ordered a remand to obtain an addendum opinion regarding whether the Veteran's service-connected hearing loss and vertigo with severe tinnitus and occasional staggering alone cause him to be unable to secure or follow a substantially gainful occupation.