Hearing loss decisions — 2015

The Veteran's tinnitus is found to have begun during service and is therefore granted service connection. The issue of whether new and material evidence has been received to reopen his claim for bilateral hearing loss remains pending.

The Veteran's service-connected hearing loss of the right ear has been manifested by no more than auditory acuity Level IV and hearing loss of the left ear has been manifested by no more than auditory acuity Level VII. The claim for an initial rating greater than 20 percent for bilateral hearing loss is denied.

The Board has reopened the claims for service connection for bilateral hearing loss, Dupuytren's contracture of the left hand, headaches, and memory loss due to new evidence. The claim is now on the merits.

The Veteran's bilateral hearing loss disability was evaluated as noncompensable prior to January 22, 2013 and as 10 percent disabling on and after that date. The Board found the current ratings were appropriate based on the evidence of record.

The Board has determined that a remand is necessary to obtain a VA examination for the Veteran's bilateral hearing loss, as the current opinion does not address whether his hearing loss began in service or is related to service.

The Veteran's claims for service connection for hearing loss and right knee pain have been denied. The claim for chronic low back pain remains pending due to the need for additional development.

The Board denied entitlement to a compensable evaluation for bilateral hearing loss, finding that the Veteran's service-connected hearing loss is adequately contemplated by the rating schedule and no referral for an extraschedular evaluation was warranted.

The Veteran's bilateral hearing loss disability is found to be etiologically related to acoustic trauma sustained in active service, and the claim for service connection is granted.

The Veteran's service connection claims for bilateral hearing loss and tinnitus were denied as there is no evidence of a nexus between the conditions and his military service.

The Veteran's current bilateral hearing loss disability is not service-connected as it did not manifest within one year of his separation from active duty and there is no medical evidence linking the condition to his military service, including noise exposure.

The Board has granted service connection for left ear hearing loss and remanded the issue of entitlement to an initial compensable rating for right ear hearing loss.

The Board denied the Veteran's claims for referral of his service-connected bilateral hearing loss and right hand scar disabilities for consideration of an extraschedular disability rating, finding that the assigned schedular ratings adequately considered their combined effects.

The Veteran's bilateral hearing loss and otosclerosis were initially manifested during active service, warranting service connection.

The Veteran's service connection claim for a back disability is granted. The claim for an increased rating for dilated aortic root from December 10, 2010 to November 30, 2014 is denied as the RO had already severed service connection for this condition.

The Board has remanded the Veteran's claims due to the need for additional development and medical inquiry, including obtaining VA treatment records, private medical information related to asbestos exposure, and any relevant information from a litigation firm.

The Board has remanded the case due to outstanding VA and private treatment records, as well as potential STRs. The Veteran's claims for service connection are pending.

The Board has granted service connection for bilateral hearing loss and low back disability. The Veteran's pre-existing bilateral hearing loss was aggravated by active service, while his currently diagnosed low back disability is considered a chronic disease under VA regulations.

The Veteran's appeal is being remanded due to the need for additional development, including obtaining VA treatment records and providing a copy of the examiner's credentials.

The Veteran's service-connected bilateral hearing loss and tinnitus were evaluated based on the applicable VA rating criteria. The Board found that his hearing loss did not warrant a compensable evaluation, as it was no more than Level II in both ears, and his tinnitus was rated at its maximum of 10 percent under Diagnostic Code 6260.

Service connection for a thoracolumbar spine disorder is denied as the Veteran's current condition is not related to service.,Service connection for bilateral hearing loss and tinnitus is denied as these conditions are not presumed to have been incurred in service.